Is freedom of speech dead in America?

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 00:30:12 -0400

Is this right just words on the Constitution?

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jul 10 at 2015 12:40 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 00:40:37 -0400

I don't necessarily think free speech is dead, per se -- I would say that the issue is being aggressively reexamined and redefined in some respects. I think the things confronting the more traditional definition of "free speech" are tougher and tougher to interpret.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Jul 10 at 2015 12:50 AM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 00:50:31 -0400

I don't think your really talking about free speech as stated in the constitution which is only free to say what you want without gov punishment. People can say what they want but they have to be ready for others to exercise their freedom of speech and retort what the person is saying if they wish, freedom of speech is not one direction, people have a right to answer back.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jul 10 at 2015 2:40 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 02:40:12 -0400

It apparently is on college campuses.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 10 at 2015 3:24 AM

PO1 John Miller — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 03:24:58 -0400

I wouldn't say it's dead. But I would say that Freedom of Speech leads to "Freedom of Responses/Criticism."
For instance, Donald Trump's speech about illegal immigrant criminals probably ruined his Presidential Campaign. Yes it was his right to say what he did, but it was also the right of American citizens who were offended to speak out against his words.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 5:18 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 05:18:13 -0400

I think this sums it up nicely.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jul 10 at 2015 6:13 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 06:13:19 -0400

Not dead, but often misunderstood.

Our Protection from the Government regarding our Free Speech is pretty much intact. SCOTUS has actually "erred" more in favor of it than against, especially when you consider decisions like Citizens United.

What we have now however is greater consequences from our fellow citizens, because information travels so much faster. And in all honesty, that is a good thing. There should be consequences to exercising Freedoms.

My major concern however is that Freedom of the Press is NOT being tempered in the same way. But that is an entirely different issue.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Jul 10 at 2015 6:25 AM

Cpl Jeff N. — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 06:25:36 -0400

From a 1st Amendment perspective I think we are okay. The government (federal) does not appear to be "cracking down" on words, concepts, divergent opinions as they are expressed etc.

What I do think is happening is that speech is being squelched or attempting to be squelched by political correctness. If we rewind back to the 60's and 70's and think about the counter culture and how they pushed left wing ideas and cloaked themselves in the freedom of speech/expression in areas like "free love" and if it feels good, do it, an open drug culture, challenging the establishment etc. We allowed that to be pushed forward through talking about it and easing culturally acceptable standards to allow some of this. The left's move forward is now solidly established and isn't "counter culture" any longer it is the culture. Now the left wants to cleanse speech, ideas, expressions. It isn't the government doing it, it is groups that want to control what you say, how you say it etc. It is more insidious than law or decision that you can debate openly.

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made Jul 10 at 2015 6:20 PM

CDR Michael Goldschmidt — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 18:20:36 -0400

(edited for content)

Response by SSG Izzy Abbass made Jul 10 at 2015 6:24 PM

SSG Izzy Abbass — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 18:24:12 -0400

I would say no given the amount of anger and "junk" I've seen on RP.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jul 10 at 2015 6:28 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 18:28:13 -0400

Freedom of Speech is never dead. But that doesn't mean the majority populace will agree with you. The government won't stop you from saying what you want, but an individual might. One can burn the flag, or stomp on the flag which is free speech. But that doesn't mean someone's not going to come and punch you in the face. Or in recent cases get fired from school.

The internet has provided endless ways for individuals to practice free speech.

Response by Cpl Benjamin Weston made Jun 26 at 2017 12:45 PM

Cpl Benjamin Weston — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 12:45:32 -0400

Yes, I do not believe you have free speech when you're worried about retaliation from our government,.. when the people fear the government there is tyranny when the government fears its people there is freedom..... and right now which would you say is in play?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2017 12:47 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 12:47:43 -0400

Dead.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2017 12:49 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 12:49:29 -0400

Not yet. It's on a slippery slope though with the White House banning video and audio in press briefings.

You're free to say what you want still - there can be consequences. Libel. Slander. Defamation. Those things exist. I doubt we'll see a Sedition Act again but one can never be too sure. That would be when free speech is dead.

Response by Cpl Michael P made Jun 1 at 2022 10:57 PM

Cpl Michael P — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 22:57:27 -0400

It’s not dead but it should be monitored and edited because of some truely sick people.

Response by Cpl Michael P made Jun 1 at 2022 10:59 PM

Cpl Michael P — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 22:59:56 -0400

No but it should be monitored

Response by Amn Chris Humbert-Nassetta made Jun 30 at 2022 2:35 AM

Amn Chris Humbert-Nassetta — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 02:35:57 -0400

The constitution is old, and needs to be rewritten! Women, children and animals, are created equal! Not just males!! And, ammendment, where meant to be amended!!

Response by PVT Roger Delgadillo made Jul 6 at 2022 11:22 PM

PVT Roger Delgadillo — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 23:22:17 -0400

Response by SP6 Peter Murphy made Jul 27 at 2022 10:19 PM

SP6 Peter Murphy — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 22:19:42 -0400

Absolutely not! Everyone is as free to believe what he hears as he is to express his own unique viewpoint, which is where much confusion enters the arena, and it's still the best system going.

Response by SSG Steve Knox made Dec 30 at 2022 11:19 AM

SSG Steve Knox — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 11:19:18 -0500

It will never be dead in the individual who wishes to express what is in their heart despite a possible "backlash".