Define Freedom of Speech?

Enjoy it while you still have it!

Thought Crime Bills; H.R.1955 & 1959

will soon take it all away!!

reedom of speech is the concept of being able to speak freely without censorship. The right to freedom of speech is guaranteed under international law through numerous human rights instruments, notably under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, although implementation remains lacking in many countries. The synonymous term freedom of expression is sometimes preferred, since the right is not confined to verbal speech but is understood to protect any act of seeking, receiving and imparting information or ideas, regardless of the medium used.

In practice, the right to freedom of speech is not absolute in any country, although the degree of freedom varies greatly. Industrialized countries also have varying approaches to balance freedom with order. For instance, the United States First Amendment theoretically grants absolute freedom, placing the burden upon the state to demonstrate when (if) a limitation of this freedom is necessary. In almost all liberal democracies, it is generally recognized that restrictions should be the exception and free expression the rule; nevertheless, compliance with this principle is often lacking.

In the classes that I took and taught, it was always thus.

The English King had tried to stomp down any dissent in America by closing down speakers that railed against him or the Kingdom. It was one of the first freedoms that Paine and Adams insisted on. It was to help keep a government honest. The people should be allowed to openly criticize the government without fear of redress or punishment. It does not, and I know of no one who knowledgeably said it means you can say what you want anytime. There is such a thing as liable and slander.

It is simply a way to allow free men to voice their opinions in the workings of the government. At east that was how it was intended.

Anything short of direct and credible threats.

Unpopular or politically incorrect speech should be protected. The problem is, the law is beginning to look at any resistful political speech as a possible physcial threat; basically trumping up discontent into serious charges.

You can't define something that doesn't exist. That freedom died when political correctness reared it's ugly head.

You are free to say what you want, but really, this comes with some responsibility. You could be arrested by yelling fire in a crowded theater. You have responsibility to your country as well. Go ahead and tell someone that you have a bomb planted somewhere and see what happpens to you.

The freedom to speak, write, and express onself whether it be in a protesting or peaceful gathering. Please Email me with your regular Email, we need to talk privately.

You are able to speak out about the powers that be without fear of retribution. You can voice your opinion and be recognized.

How about everything that is said on these sites and others like them.

I concur with the guy with all the ****'s in his answer.