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You are right. My mistake. I fixed that. Freedom of speech is an essential liberty. The #1 most essential liberty, to allow science, progress and democracy

• sliverstorm 14y ago
  At which point the discussion simply derails into a debate over whether you believe limitations to freedom of speech are ever acceptable. As another note, don't forget to consider the second element- "temporary safety". If the safety purchased by showing greater deference to militant Islamism is not temporary, the quote is not applicable. I am not arguing that this is the case, merely reminding to think critically- his quote was very specific, and it aggravates me when people abuse it without a moment's thought. Anyway, I know what I believe, but I don't have the material to make a case right now, so that is all.
  • hso9791 14y ago
    What safety is not temporary? And what liberty isn't essential? Writing style has changed over the centuries, to me this reads like he's also reminding us that liberty is essential, and safety is temporary - and that it always must be so.
    • sliverstorm 14y ago
      What safety is not temporary? Ok, you can be nit-picky and argue that no safety is truly timeless, but in that context the word "temporary" loses all meaning, as everything is temporary. Safety that lasts generations or for the duration of nations is clearly distinct from safety that lasts a season. What liberty isn't essential? Perhaps liberties that necessarily infringe on other people's liberties?