I’ve heard this stock answer many many times before. “Freedom of speech isn’t freedom from consequences.” By this token, an authoritarian state has freedom of

I’ve heard this stock answer many many times before. “Freedom of speech isn’t freedom from consequences.” By this token, an authoritarian state has freedom of speech - say what you want, but don’t complain when you’re imprisoned or shot for it. This political slogan does not logically imply that all consequences people choose to deal out are therefore somehow justifiable. Specifically, it does not give people permission to take action to curtail freedom of speech, which is precisely what is happening.