Freedom of Speech... is it worth it? is it essential as part of the foundation of a true democracy? or does it just provide a loophole for those who want to abuse it and spread hatred and misinformation. personally i think its somewhere inbetween the both of them... it is essential but can be abused. and it shouldn't be allowed to be used to incite hatred and negative/abusing actions, as the new laws have just been changed to allow (stopping this). i do not agree with what you have to say, but i will fight to the death to ensure you keep the right to say it. or something. by some big important bloke. or a drunk. not too sure really... and those who've had one too many narcotics to care please stay out of it rather than saying "this is boring/shit" eh?
free speech is a cornerstone of a civilised and democratic society... however it can be abused, its the grey area in between that seems to be the major problem at the moment.
Was a massive row at leeds uni the other day after a lecturer wrote an article in the Daily Telegraph saying he beleived black kids to be genetically less intelligent than white kids. Student Union then got all jumped up and are petitioning to get him sacked. It should also be noted he has spoken at events organised by US white supremicist movements. Don't get me wrong, personally I think his views are bullshit but by silencing such people you lose the opportunity to defeat them in a logical arguement. Far better to show people who may sympathise with such views that they're wrong through a reasoned debate than sack them. Free speech is vital. This country and other supposed 'free' democratic nations are slowly eroding such freedoms defeating the very purpose we purport to stand for.
