Free speech should be tempered with responsibility

San Jose Mercury News ^ | 01/09/2015 | Pattie Cortese and Rabia Chaudhry

[artichokegrower]

Yelling "fire" in a crowded theater remains as contentious as 90 years ago when Oliver Wendell Holmes first (loosely) coined the phrase.

Over the past few months, the world has witnessed two acts of terrorism that strike at the core of a civilized and free society -- freedom of expression -- but should force us to consider the impact of our protected speech on others.

[artichokegrower]

The West's relationship with much of the Muslim world is inflamed right now. Why choose to pour salt in this open wound, rather than ask ourselves what we can do to build bridges of understanding?

Let's see 911, Ft. Hood, Boston Marathon. Who's pouring salt on what open wound?

[BenLurkin]

The theater is burning — and the LIVs are still sitting in their seats watching the Barry BS show.

[amnestynone]

Remarkable how leftists think people should take responsibility for what they say. Why don't they show us by doing just what they are telling the rest of us to do! After all they do nothing but attack the rest of us.

[9thLife]

The media headliners giving continuing lessons in how to commit national suicide by missing the point.

[Mr Ramsbotham]

We want to live in peace and harmony. They want us dead. There ought to be someplace where we can meet in the middle now, eh what?

[old curmudgeon]

Anyone who works for the press who writes stuff like this is a fool.

[Mean Daddy]

In other news, still OK to put a crucifix in a beaker of urine. Back to you Chet.

[ifinnegan]

The liberal depravity is unending.

They championed the worst filth and vice for decades under the banner of free speech.

Now not so much.

[dontreadthis]

IT'S JUST A TOY

[Flycatcher]

One is a communist. The other is a Muslim.

Pattie Cortese, wife of Santa Clara County Supervisor Dave Cortese, is a longtime community activist. Rabia Chaudhry is a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Silicon Valley Chapter. They wrote this for this newspaper.

[elhombrelibre]

I agree. It’s disgusting that we are lectured to self-censor because some obscurantist Islamist nutjob might come along and take umbrage leading to mass murder because one or more of these benighted galoots has been offended.

[VanDeKoik]

Dozens of episodes of South Park and Family Guy tossing all types of crap at Christians, and no one seems to be outraged in the media. Most Christians dont even care.

Muslims see one cartoon of Mohamma...whatever the hell his name is, kill people, and it’s “Free speech should be tempered with responsibility”?

[KC_Lion]

The theater is burning — and the LIVs are still sitting in their seats watching the Barry BS show.

Great Analogy Ben, I have often wondered what it will take to wake people up.

You can ignore reality, but reality won't ignore you.

Will they stick to their Socialist Principles when they are living out of a Garbage Dump?

[samtheman]

No need to work for the press. Anyone who writes this stuff, says this stuff, thinks this stuff... Is a fool.

[McBuff]

Yes, there is a responsibility with free speech. . .but it is an issue of personal regulation in line with the constraints of virtue and good taste. .NOT GOVERNMENT CONTROL.

[P-Marlowe]

These idiots are honorary Muslims. The word Islam means SUBMISSION and these clowns are more then willing to submit to anything in order not to offend Muhammed or Allah.

I’m sure they have no qualms about insulting Jesus Christ or ridiculing Christians but because they fear Islam more than Christ, they will submit.

[Vaquero]

Bullsh*t. One way street with the Muzzies

[GOPJ]

The only way to fight radical islam is not to give an inch.

NO, NO, NO... RADICAL MUSLIMS MAY NOT KILL PEOPLE WHO EXPRESS IDEAS THEY DON'T LIKE. PERIOD.

DO NOT GIVE THESE PEOPLE AN INCH. IF WE DO GIVE IN - THE NEXT 'OFFENSIVE' WRITING WILL BE THE BIBLE.

[relictele]

To paraphrase PJ O’Rourke, ‘responsible speech’ is fascism and thought control sold by the drink.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

The author estates aren't members of the press. This is a "guest" editorial. But this is perfectly in line with the attitude of the Merc and what else would you expect from these two?

Pattie Cortese, wife of Santa Clara County Supervisor Dave Cortese, is a longtime community activist. Rabia Chaudhry is a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Silicon Valley Chapter. They wrote this for this newspaper.