----- Original Message ----- From: "Richard Baker" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Killer Bs Discussion" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Friday, March 12, 2004 10:40 AM Subject: Re: Fascist Censorship spreading like Cancer thruout Gov't
> Reggie said: > > > Just to be certain, I submitted this question to lawguru.com. I > > will post the results, one way or the other. > > At most, this will show that the US Constitution doesn't protect freedom > of speech. > Judging from what I've seen, it does and it doesn't. First off, the constitution protects from government censure. The first amendment does not guarantee "unlimited" free speech. There are constraints. You cannot say Shit, Cunt, or Fuck on television or radio and at this time not many people care to hear these words broadcast. But that could change. At one point you could not say Damn on a broadcast and at that time few wanted to hear it. OTOH, you can euphemise the meanings of any of the prohibited words and not only is it legal, it is usually socially acceptable. On this list (or lists and venues like it) you can say pretty much anything you desire (short of slander or libel) and your speech is protected from government censure, because the venue is private. And because it is private the only censure one has to fear here is from the actual list moderators, who can use whatever social standard they desire without fear of repercussion. So basically, the limitations in a place like this are purely social. But, that does not mean that those limitations cannot be enforced here. On the whole I think even those with a strong dislike for that sort of speech have shown significant restraint and tolerance, and there have only been one or two occasions where speech became a "real" issue. I have to admit though, I prefer the method by which Hotblack Desoto was handled over on Culture. *That* was extremely Cool!!! xponent Coolwhite Edsel Maru rob _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
