The US should probably consider banning hate speech like the rest of the free world.

[Reggie Rock]

I hate how most people seem to want complete and total freedom of speech. If i went into the middle of a pre-school, starting yelling "****" at the top of my lungs and was made to stop, was my freedom of speech being infringed?

Freedom of speech is the freedom to SAY whatever you want. But it is not the freedom to say if whereever you want, to whoever you please and however you please. I can say bad things about people/groups, but i can't say bad things about people/groups with the clear intent of causing emotional distress to that person/group.

 

[senordesol]

I hate how most people seem to want complete and total freedom of speech. If i went into the middle of a pre-school, starting yelling "****" at the top of my lungs and was made to stop, was my freedom of speech being infringed?

Freedom of speech is the freedom to SAY whatever you want. But it is not the freedom to say if whereever you want, to whoever you please and however you please. I can say bad things about people/groups, but i can't say bad things about people/groups with the clear intent of causing emotional distress to that person/group.

You wouldn't be arrested for yelling '****'. And there be the key.

The question of freedom of speech here is whether the tools of the WBC be arrested for what they have to say. I've yet to hear any reason why they should other than 'they hurt my feelings'.

Now we can regulate (and have_ just how far away they have to be from the funeral proceedings in order to exercise their right to free speech, but so long as they aren't inciting panic, violence, or a crime; they can and should be allowed to preach their message until their voices are hoarse.

 

[Filiecs]

I am quite amazed at all the people here believing that they have a right to not be offended and have the accepting of THEIR view enforced by law. The fact of the matter is, in order for it to be counted as a crime the hate speech needs to be harsh enough and prolonged enough that the emotional response of the target actually causes harmful chemical changes in the body. (It can and does happen with prolonged harassment)
If simple hate speech (like the anti-gay pro-murder protests) was against the law I could say that pretty much anything you say is hate speech towards me and take you to court. I'd probably fail the case but nonetheless you would have to go to court.

Also, "common sense" should never be used to punish another individual as it (just like "being offended") is subjective. Personally, I think that "common sense" should be used to lessen punishments, not hand them out.
If you are going to give people a subjective right then you have to take into consideration the amount of times that it will be used to punish an innocent.

 

[tthor]

I think that something in the world should be in place to help people at least have the option to avoid hearing speech that offends them when other people are doing their best to shove speech that offends them in their face all the time.

its called earplugs.