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> Free speech isn't important because it's in the Constitution, it's in the Constitution because it's important. Sure, Twitter wouldn't be violating the law if
by JH0nl0ShaGv5KSn 9y ago
> Free speech isn't important because it's in the Constitution, it's in the Constitution because it's important. Sure, Twitter wouldn't be violating the law if they banned Trump, but they would absolutely be violating the more important ideal of free speech.
Even the "ideal" of free speech refers only to speech on public property outside of the control an organization. There is no ideal of free speech that says a) you should be able to say whatever you want on private property, or b) that organizations should sanction members for speech they do not approve of.
Twitter is well within the ideal of free speech should they choose to kick Donald Trump off their site, on the grounds of a) not liking what he uses their private property to say, and b) wanting to sanction him as a member (i.e. user) of their organization for what he says.
Of course, the ideal of free speech and what's written in the constitution are synonymous, as far as the American ideal of free speech is concerned. Different nations have different ideals.
- will4274 9y agoTwitter's brand is being public. As far as I can tell, Twitter survives on a revolving cycle of celebrity and news coverage. They almost went broke until the world's biggest celebrity (POTUS) brought their popularity back. So when people express outrage about Twitter restricting speech, it's the same emotion as RadioShack selling their customer list - not as advertised.
- ImSkeptical 9y agoNo, the ideal of free speech is that you should get to express yourself, and I should get to express myself. Through discussion we may gain common understanding and benefit. We can discover unfamiliar perspectives, debate ideas, and figure out meaningful truths. We both will also appreciate the opportunity to have our thoughts heard - whatever they may be. Stopping speech because you dislike the speaker, or disagree with what's being said is the antithesis of this ideal. Again, of course Twitter legally could ban Trump. Doing so would not be in keeping with the ideal of free speech.