Don't be stupid

A few thoughts.

Recently I was discussing with someone (who will remain nameless through out this) about the pros and cons of the internet. We had a difference of opinion of the availability of information that should be allowed online. I feel the internet is the only truly democratic environment and should be protected but because I disagreed with his point of view I was accused of being a ‘porn-monger’. His words.

In all fairness to his point of view we were talking about ways to block internet porn from reaching children. Something I support but we got off track and it became a rant about free speech and how I was trying to ‘shut him up’.

That was never the case as I shall explain.

Freedom of Speech:

Freedom of Speech is the freedom to speak freely without censorship or limitation and with out fear and suppression.

The right to freedom of speech is recognized as a human right Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and recognized in international human rights law in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The ICCPR recognizes the right to freedom of speech as "the right to hold opinions without interference. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression". Furthermore freedom of speech is recognized in European, inter-American and African regional human rights law.

In a nutshell: Freedom of Speech is the right to seek information and ideas. It is the right to receive information and ideas. It is the right to impart information and ideas.

Freedom of Speech is not a tool to hide behind when spouting ‘hate speech’. Limitations are placed on freedom of speech due to misuse by people furthering their own selfish agenda with no respected for the freedom they are abusing.

That being said I will not stop the abuse as I will not take away your right to freedom of speech. Regardless of how puerile it may be to me.

The only censorship should be self-censorship.

You are free to think freely with out censorship or limitation and with out fear and suppression. Just don’t abuse it. I may disagree with what you are saying but I will defend your right to say it.

Just don’t be stupid.

And that’s all I have to say.

For now.