There are two distinct things people often confuse on either side of this issue. Say a stupid/offending/violent thing and you’ll face consequences from 1) oth

There are two distinct things people often confuse on either side of this issue. Say a stupid/offending/violent thing and you’ll face consequences from 1) other people listening in the form of shunning/shouting/lost opportunities/laughing. 2) the government in form of fines or even imprisonment. People on both sides get all hot and bothered when they receive 1) and complain that they have freedom of speech or that their opponents are bigots. This should mostly be ignored, like you said: "Don't let your mouth write checks your ass can't cash." Some people however want their opponents to face 2) and that is very dangerous. That is literally fascism and this sentiment exists on both sides as well. It’s 2) we need to defend against and pretending that we’re only talking about 1) is a fatal misunderstanding.