Freedom Of Speech

The true test of freedom of speech is allowing speech you are morally opposed to. This is important. Primarily because of the diversity of opinions in this world, to stop one form of speech means you also have to stop another. Once I have the right to tell you what you can't say, then, by definition, you have the right to tell me what I can't say.

People too often try to say we shouldn't have this or that type of language or discussion or dialog because it is offensive. This is true, some speech can be offensive, rude, and insulting. The problem we now run into is what is offensive varies between people. Talk radio is a perfect example. It seems conservatives find "liberal views" offensive and vise versa. To an atheist, talk of God is offensive, to a Pro Life proponent, talk of abortion is offensive, and to take it to the extreme, to a Klansman, talk of civil and equal rights is offensive.

You can't ever start taking away speech without realizing the serious consequences of those actions. There are still many options available from avoiding it to opening a dialog where both sides get their say. The hard part is keeping the dialog without reducing down to name calling, bashing, and profanity. Once that happens the message gets lost and you're no better off than you were before.

Freedom of speech is a precious right and must be defended, even if it's speech we don't want to hear. Because I guarantee for almost every opinion, there is probably someone who is offended by it.

KryKey Personal Web Radio Stations let you have that freedom - go ahead, create a KryKey Personal Web Radio Station, and start talking.