...that more Americans understood, believed, promoted and protected the concept of "free speech". I think we've forgotten the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which includes: "Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech..."
Sure, the First Amendment doesn't justify shouting fire in a crowded theatre. It does not include the right to incite actions that would harm others (and other related things). But the freedom established by our Constitution is very broad -- and often annoying. There may be a "dictionary" full of words and ideas that I don't want to hear. The fact that I don't want to hear them doesn't mean they can't be said. The same right gives me the freedom to respond to, contradict and disprove what has been said. Rather than use this method of interactive free speech, we are entering an era when many simply bully the speaker into submission rather than respond to what is spoken. Those who have no answer often resort to the gnashing of teeth, stopping of ears, and throwing of stones (all in not tolerating intolerance).
Acts Chapter 7 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth...they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him...
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