When I began following free speech controversies, I was a First Amendment absolutist. Now I’m something less comfortable. I still think free speech is a good idea, certainly better than alternatives I’ve come across, but I’ve learned that everyone has a line that can’t be crossed, a word that sticks in the craw, an image that feels like a kick to the gut. The First Amendment, bless its little heart, always eventually lets us down (self-protection is innate, tolerance an acquired taste), so how can I not be bothered by its limitations?

This is a running log of arguments over free speech – some silly, some funny, some hard -- because free speech is all about argument. Being able to speak our mind makes us feel good and it's essential to real democracy and fairness. Yet, in the end, one of the best reasons to keep our speech rights intact is that we miss them when they’re gone.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Oldies but goodies

"There is something called freedom of expression for the media, and it's a good thing, but there should be some rules." Mohammed Falak, Iraqi Shi-ite cleric

Health insurance is a matter of life and death (but make sure nobody gets to talk about it) Does it surprise anyone else that the new culture war is about which set of paperwork we use to pay doctors, hospitals and drug companies? (added 5-10: boy, was I naive!)

Actually, we are in favor of censorship

The truth shall not set you free

What we talk about when we're really talking about something else?

Taming that wild, wild internet

Rats have right
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