4 ms·

A right to free speech does not mean speech without consequences. You can say what you want but you don’t get to hide behind “free speech” when the consequence

A right to free speech does not mean speech without consequences. You can say what you want but you don’t get to hide behind “free speech” when the consequences start knocking

lores 2y ago
I am far from a free-speech absolutist, but yes, free speech means free from consequences. What else could it mean? Even the worst dictatorship can't stop you from speaking... the first time.
- krapp 2y ago
  If you're "far from a free speech absolutist," then by definition you accept that free speech should have consequences. And even most self-described free speech absolutists agree on some acceptable consequences, like incitement to violence, perjury and slander. And not all consequences are legal. Human beings are social animals and consequences have always existed for violating common norms and taboos. Go into a synagogue and start handing out copies of Mein Kampf and see what happens.
  - lores 2y ago
    I'm arguing with the canned sentence because it's stupid and mealy-mouthed. I think some speech should have consequences. I'm not hypocritical enough to think it's still free speech, though.
- katbyte 2y ago
  If I lie about you or your company in my newspaper causing you financial or other harm should I not face consequences such as a lawsuit or should I be allowed to destroy your life consequence free because I feel like it? What about if I lie about my product and you use it and it fails to deliver, or causes you direct harm? Should I be allowed to do that?
incomingpain 2y ago
>A right to free speech does not mean speech without consequences. Consequences for free speech == not free speech. In the USA there's some extremely limited exceptions and those are the only places consequences can be had.
- katbyte 2y ago
  If I lie about you or your company in my newspaper causing you financial or other harm should I not face consequences such as a lawsuit or should I be allowed to destroy your life consequence free because I feel like it? What about if I lie about my product and you use it and it fails to deliver, or causes you direct harm? Should I be allowed to do that? Or I start going off about some crazy racist or other bullshit should you be forced to platform/employ/listen to me?

A right to free speech does not mean speech without consequences. You can say what you want but you don’t get to hide behind “free speech” when the consequences start knocking

lores 2y ago

I am far from a free-speech absolutist, but yes, free speech means free from consequences. What else could it mean? Even the worst dictatorship can't stop you from speaking... the first time.

krapp 2y ago
If you're "far from a free speech absolutist," then by definition you accept that free speech should have consequences. And even most self-described free speech absolutists agree on some acceptable consequences, like incitement to violence, perjury and slander. And not all consequences are legal. Human beings are social animals and consequences have always existed for violating common norms and taboos. Go into a synagogue and start handing out copies of Mein Kampf and see what happens.
- lores 2y ago
  I'm arguing with the canned sentence because it's stupid and mealy-mouthed. I think some speech should have consequences. I'm not hypocritical enough to think it's still free speech, though.
katbyte 2y ago
If I lie about you or your company in my newspaper causing you financial or other harm should I not face consequences such as a lawsuit or should I be allowed to destroy your life consequence free because I feel like it? What about if I lie about my product and you use it and it fails to deliver, or causes you direct harm? Should I be allowed to do that?

incomingpain 2y ago

>A right to free speech does not mean speech without consequences. Consequences for free speech == not free speech. In the USA there's some extremely limited exceptions and those are the only places consequences can be had.

katbyte 2y ago
If I lie about you or your company in my newspaper causing you financial or other harm should I not face consequences such as a lawsuit or should I be allowed to destroy your life consequence free because I feel like it? What about if I lie about my product and you use it and it fails to deliver, or causes you direct harm? Should I be allowed to do that? Or I start going off about some crazy racist or other bullshit should you be forced to platform/employ/listen to me?