was thinking that whilst speech is, for the most part, constitutionally protected, there are some things that are just not a good idea to say.

I agree with that statement. There are many examples of that.

However, let me play devil's advocate for a split second. This isn't about obvious "hate speech", I'm refering here to random, everyday speech, opinions etc. Too often, I have seen people accused because of an innocent comment. Intent is judged by those who hear the comment and not by those who said it. Anything and everything can be construde as having a negative connotation simply by those who twist the words/intent/meaning. i would encourage a spirit of understanding by all. Before you jump to a conclusion, try to resolve it at the lowest level. Before going to an outside party, remember that others have different ideas of what is "acceptable" and "right"....and decide if you are the one who is being too sensitive.

Before going to an outside party, remember that others have different ideas of what is "acceptable" and "right"....and decide if you are the one who is being too sensitive.

Good advice.

I wrote an article about freedom last week, and made the observation that true freedom for all is going to be impossible to achieve.  There will always be someone who is offended by another person exercising their freedom....it's much the same thing with speech.  There will always be someone who is offended by what you say.

That being said, I do believe that blatant hate speech, such as advocating the extermination of Jews or homosexuals and coming up with ways to do so...that should be reported. 

Violence, etc should not be tolerated. I agree with that

advocating the extermination of Jews or homosexuals and coming up with ways to do so...that should be reported.

Add in there the violence aimed at abortion clinics/drs......just because someone doesn't agree with the practice does not make further violence okay. Free speech is the right to a belief, not the right to enforce said belief.....

Free speech is the right to a belief, not the right to enforce said belief.....

Exactly.  That got an 'insightful' from me!

as a whole, rightly put dharmagrl
you've got my support

as a whole, rightly put dharmagrl you've got my support

Thanks, lizard.  I'm sorry that we got off to a bad start.  For the record, I think you're a good guy.

I've been catching up on my blog reading and posting this evening and just saw this after I posted something about freedom of speech (a view by a foreigner and the comparison of their own country's laws)... do you hear the twilight zone music?

Anyway, I like this post and want to thank you for sharing the links.

Yeah Dharma,
the mistress of Free Speech! What do your tights look like? Standard super-hero pattern, or paisley?

What do your tights look like? Standard super-hero pattern, or paisley?

Pink and green paisley.  With a pink leotard and a sparkly pink mask...ooh, and pink tap shoes too.