why do people use "freedom of speech" as an excuse to say something stupid?

as the name of the thread suggests im wondering why every time someone says something stupid/shocking or just plain wrong they hide behind the banner of freedom of speech?
just because we have the right to say something does it mean we should? what happened to morals? or manners?
it appears that some people like to speak their mind even when there is nothing in there!
i have had many "debates" on riu but most tend to descend into a farce. or personal insults. what im trying to say is why can't we use freedom of speech for the reason it was intended as opposed to an opportunity to say the ridiculous?

steve1978 said:

as the name of the thread suggests im wondering why every time someone says something stupid/shocking or just plain wrong they hide behind the banner of freedom of speech?
just because we have the right to say something does it mean we should? what happened to morals? or manners?
it appears that some people like to speak their mind even when there is nothing in there!
i have had many "debates" on riu but most tend to descend into a farce. or personal insults. what im trying to say is why can't we use freedom of speech for the reason it was intended as opposed to an opportunity to say the ridiculous?

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I believe it falls under how people interpet what freedom of speech means.

Yes we should be moral, use common sense etc.

Although freedom of speech does allow us to say whatever we want, you would never see people openly in front of police make threats that could get them locked up.

I understand what you are saying. When people are in the safety of their house being the computer screen they say whatever they want because they know the person on the other side can't get to them.

if you took the computers away and it was a face to face conversation, i guarantee you a lot would not be said.

But most of all don't take it personal.

Because people do not understand what "freedom of speech" is.

steve1978 said:

as the name of the thread suggests im wondering why every time someone says something stupid/shocking or just plain wrong they hide behind the banner of freedom of speech?
just because we have the right to say something does it mean we should? what happened to morals? or manners?
it appears that some people like to speak their mind even when there is nothing in there!
i have had many "debates" on riu but most tend to descend into a farce. or personal insults. what im trying to say is why can't we use freedom of speech for the reason it was intended as opposed to an opportunity to say the ridiculous?

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WOW. get this guy a job on the censorship board.

its freedom of speach not freedom of speach as long as youve got something good to say.

SlikWiLL13 said:

WOW. get this guy a job on the censorship board.

its freedom of speach not freedom of speach as long as youve got something good to say.

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your freedom of speech wont protect you when i punch you in the face for saying something stupid

Well there is no freedom of speech on the internet, unless you start your own website. Then you can say pretty much whatever you want for the most part, but there is no freedom to say whatever you want on someone else's private domain. This is what people can't wrap their heads around. I see it all the time here. They get infractions or get censored here and reply with the whole freedom of speech defense. What they don't really think about is that they agreed to terms when registering on this website. They are a guest. For the most part, websites are privately owned and will be censored.

Sure you have the freedom of speech, but I also have the freedom to kick your ass! That usually works

Freedom of speech is the freedom to offend. Get used to it.

Louis541 said:

Freedom of speech is the freedom to offend. Get used to it.

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Pretty much, that's why you gotta start using other methods so people realize the freedom to offend will get them the luxury of being in hospitals or morgues (For that Westboro Church group who someone really needs to take care of). Then perhaps they will use their freedom a speech a bit more wisely.

the west boro church group is what im talking about. these guys have extremist views and no qualms what so ever about sharing them. what about muslim fanatics who preech hatred of the west and america? when you hear people talking about the obliteration of isreal, is this what freedom of speech is all about?
is the idea of complete freedom of speech undermined by the mutterings of idiots?

your watching to much cnn

SlikWiLL13 said:

WOW. get this guy a job on the censorship board.

its freedom of speach not freedom of speach as long as youve got something good to say.

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my mother always taught me if i dont have anything worthwhile to say its better if i say nothing at all.
it seems to be a good principal to live by.

steve1978 said:

my mother always taught me if i dont have anything worthwhile to say its better if i say nothing at all.
it seems to be a good principal to live by.

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when she gets her lazy ass out of my bed ill be sure to tell her you remember her wise words of wisdom.

nice sig Mr. Niceguy.

steve1978 said:

as the name of the thread suggests im wondering why every time someone says something stupid/shocking or just plain wrong they hide behind the banner of freedom of speech?
just because we have the right to say something does it mean we should? what happened to morals? or manners?
it appears that some people like to speak their mind even when there is nothing in there!
i have had many "debates" on riu but most tend to descend into a farce. or personal insults. what im trying to say is why can't we use freedom of speech for the reason it was intended as opposed to an opportunity to say the ridiculous?

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You must be a little weet behind the ears (politically).

Free speech was never meant to protect safe/polite speech - politically correct speech doesn't need protecting, because it's not offensive.

SlikWiLL13 said:

when she gets her lazy ass out of my bed ill be sure to tell her you remember her wise words of wisdom.

nice sig Mr. Niceguy.

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this is what im talking about. i haven't told a "mum" joke since i was 13. this is the kind of trash that litters these forums.
congratulations

Too many idiots in this world to worry about what they say, either shoot them or keep walkin.. And for the mom joke, who really cares? How bout the freedom to ignore?

steve1978 said:

this is what im talking about. i haven't told a "mum" joke since i was 13. this is the kind of trash that litters these forums.
congratulations

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says the guy with a fat chick joke in his sig.

i checked back a bit, nearly all your posts are completely worthless. talk about forum litter.

unsubscribed

SlikWiLL13 said:

says the guy with a fat chick joke in his sig.

i checked back a bit, nearly all your posts are completely worthless. talk about forum litter.

unsubscribed

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im intrested about the "checked back a bit" statement. i would like to know what posts of mine you found worthless as i post an average of 8 posts a week. i try to only comment if i think i might have an input to the debate. you on the other hand post on average 8 times a DAY. i wonder in how many of your posts your abusing peoples mums?

Haha, okay I get it now, we should all stop posting as much and be on Steves level, cause the way to intelligently speak is not at all apparently. Am I following?

O.k. Since no one else has added it I will. You can't yell "fire" in a crowded theater. You also can't threaten people without consequences. Freedom of speech doesn't give you the right to say whatever you want.