Do we still have a freedom of speech?

[RalphC]

With another facebook user sentenced today, for making their feelings known, are we loosing the freedom of speech in this country?

 

How long before making any opinion lands the user in very hot water?

 

Whether we agree or disagree with their opinions, is the threat of a criminal record going to mean the freedom of speech is restricted?

 

Far worse is shouted at many football matches by both spectators and those on benches, yet those people are not brought before a judge.

 

Would a manager be prosecuted for speaking their mind if the video was shown to the police, or is it just users of facebook / twitter who are easy targets that are prosecuted?

 

Thoughts please.....

[RalphC]

Interesting tweet by Paul Chambers here https://twitter.com/pauljchambers/status/255631800741814272 who was finally cleared on his charges about Robin Hood Airport.

[Smudge]

Freedom of Speech is still alive and kicking,until someone complains.Found that on this very site,so the answer is NO.But shortly Laws will allow you to batter an intruder in your house,if he dont batter you First.Hammer,Baseball Bat,at the ready.

[Loose]

Of course you've got Freedom of Speech, you've also got a responsibility to not use it to cause harm or use it for expression of racism and hatred.

 

When the joke is of a sexual nature about a five year old girl who we don't know for sure is alive or dead then you've got to ask yourself who in their right mind would think it's funny.

[Eastside Urchin]

Agreed

[Savagebee]

are we loosing the freedom of speech in this country?

 

Yes.

[RalphC]

Of course you've got Freedom of Speech, you've also got a responsibility to not use it to cause harm or use it for expression of racism and hatred.

 

When the joke is of a sexual nature about a five year old girl who we don't know for sure is alive or dead then you've got to ask yourself who in their right mind would think it's funny.

 

I agree - although with feelings running high, would people perhaps be wrong for questioning as to why a five year old was out playing at 7pm without supervision?

 

All I am saying is where is the line drawn? What is permissable today?

 

Why do some spectators appear to get away with similar comments on a weekly basis? Are we too afraid to report these people in the non-league game for want of losing fans? Although I would think that more would come to matches if it was suitable for families.

 

I know that I am probably questioing both sides of the argument, but it seems like facebook / twitter users are an easy target.

[Loose]

I agree - although with feelings running high, would people perhaps be wrong for questioning as to why a five year old was out playing at 7pm without supervision?

 

All I am saying is where is the line drawn? What is permissable today?

 

Why do some spectators appear to get away with similar comments on a weekly basis? Are we too afraid to report these people in the non-league game for want of losing fans? Although I would think that more would come to matches if it was suitable for families.

 

I know that I am probably questioing both sides of the argument, but it seems like facebook / twitter users are an easy target.

 

I don't think you are wrong questioning why a child that age is out at that time on her own.

 

The difference is that what can be said to a friend down the pub is not the same as publishing a comment designed to cause hurt or ridicule on media.

 

 

Some people on here are also forgetting that in some instances they are complaining about their ability to post certain things on here where Freedom of Speech does not apply. This site belongs to someone, they decide what is appropriate, not the laws of our government and judicial system.

 

It might be perfectly acceptable to run naked through your house with the curtains closed, sometimes even when open you could have an expectation of freedom but try running across your local football pitch and you are going to get banned. There is a time and a place for comments and behaviour, it's not always going to be appropriate and society, not individuals decide when and where that is.

[The Mayor Of Simpleton]

You have the RIGHT to Freedom of Speech

 

BUT

 

The RESPONSIBILITY to use it correctly.

[The Mayor Of Simpleton]

Related to this: http://news.uk.msn.com/socialvoices/blogpost.aspx?post=bdc2571e-2cf9-44d6-918f-aaf4239b17ff&_nwpt=1

[Pink Panther]

Do we live in North Korea or Communist China? Or heaven forbid Jewish Israel. This [****!!****]-ry is the most censored in Europa! More cameras watch your every move than any euro [****!!****]-try. If you toe the line, all will be well.

[Basil-Don]

the only two things this country had worth preserving- our liberty and our language -are quickly disappearing,i'm absolutely ashamed to live in a country where young people are imprisoned for posting silly remarks on Facebook.

[The Mayor Of Simpleton]

It's quite odd that becoming overtly liberal, we actually have less freedom. As ever, people want the right to do and say whatever they want without giving a damn to the consequences.

 

If we want to protect our liberty, then we need to protect our social values and morality as well.

Edited October 10, 2012 by The Mayor Of Simpleton

[Basil-Don]

sorry i really dont think you understand the fundamental concept of free speech or indeed free thought,

 

if i believe that black people are untrustworthy and i keep this thought to myself then im unlikely to ever change my opinion but if i can be open about such a belief then at least i may get in a debate which may change my mind.whats wrong is wrong to hide.

 

free speech with limitations due to taste and decency is utterly pointless.

 

if someone believes its ok to engage in sexual intercourse with a 12 year old girl will they ever get the chance to argue this belief in a debate, banning people from discussing 'sensitive' subjects isnt going to solve anything.

[The Mayor Of Simpleton]

As Joe Strummer once said: Freedom of speech is ok, so long as you don't use it.

 

I believe that everybody has the right to use freedom of speech in a fair and proper way. It's like using a knife - you can use it to chop vegetables or meat whilst preparing the Sunday Roast, or you can use it to stab somebody.

 

There are right and wrong ways of using it. Don't use it to cause offence and you will be fine.

[Basil-Don]

well i'm offended by the tabloid press but i dont want them shut down,if no one can be offended then free speech really is pointless.people have the right to be offensive and stupid,offensive is a very subjective term.

[Rhodes]

Basil-Don - Cue Loosely!

[The Mayor Of Simpleton]

well i'm offended by the tabloid press but i dont want them shut down,if no one can be offended then free speech really is pointless.people have the right to be offensive and stupid,offensive is a very subjective term.

 

Personally...

 

I would love to see Tony Blair, Chris Moyles, Russell Brand, Alan Carr and all the other celebrity tosspots shoved into an acid pit.

 

However, if I said it in public I would offend people who like them (except Blair, nobody likes him!)

[Rhodes]

No, that's right, but you have to admire him don't you

[Hornchurch "O"]

Blaming parents for letting a 5 year old play out at 7 o'clock is like saying Girls in short skirts deserved to be Raped.