This is a good question, but I think
the answer lies in the degree to which free speech is allowed. Most if not
all communities have regulations that put limits on how far the concept of "free
speech" may be carried. As one UofU political science professor put it,
"your right to throw a punch ends where my chin begins." This also applies
to freedom of speech. Ordinances that prohibit speech that is likely to
provoke or even take on nuisance value should be and often are prohibited.
To use another analogy pointed out by the supreme court itself, freedom of
speech does not include the right to yell "fire! in a crowded theatre.
Neither should it include the right to be provocative or abusive in speaking to
others. As the article pointed out, calling young brides whores was in
this category. No effort was made to mitigate the meanings being conveyed,
either, as the leader of the street preachers maintains. These guys
were just out there screaming obscenities.
Rocky Anderson is
himself, as the article points out, a former ACLU (American Civil Liberties
Union) attorney, and I think he has tried very hard to look at both sides of the
situation. I like to believe that even though he has a past record for
leaning toward the anti-LDS point of view, he nevertheless is the best man for
the job as Mayor of Salt Lake City. He has repeatedly proven himself
to be the man of the hour in seeking solutions to the major problems being
provoked by the agressiveness of the street preachers. I even believe God
raised him up for the present situation.
----- Original Message -----
From: "David Miller" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Thursday, February 05, 2004 5:40
PM
Subject: RE: [TruthTalk] street preachers/free
speech
> Do you agree with their direction of becoming the thought police?
>
> Peace be with you.
> David Miller, Beverly Hills, Florida.
>
> ----------
> "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org
>
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