Free Speech or Sedition

self ^ | Nov. 15, 2001 | el_texicano

[el_texicano]

We have among us many especially in the educated elite and educators that have no qualms of advocating the overthrow of the U.S. government and revoking of the Constitution.

This has become particularly evident among some Islamic educators in our colleges and dispersed about our communities as religious leaders, mullah's if you will. These same people may or may not be naturalized citizens.

I have done a bit of research to see what the oath of allegience says in a citizenship induction service. It is most interesting when one considers the allegience that is demanded by Islam from its adherents.

"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform non-combatant service in the armed forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."

[el_texicano]

Many of these advocates for Islam among us will quickly cite the first amendment as a protection for what they say. Yet, is that the case? Where do you draw the line between free speech and sedition??? And if sedition, what is the penalty for conviction???

What say you all?

[ConsistentLibertarian]

Multiple question marks don't by themselves frame a proper question. Give a concrete example of something you imagine someone might say, and then we can maybe get traction on the question whether it's seditious or consitutionally protected speech.

[Captain Kirk]

You ought to form an alliance with advocates of speech codes on American campuses. They make the same arguments as you do, albeit with different goals. Conservatives and libertarians do the most good for their cause when they uphold the first amendment even when it hurts!

[el_texicano]

You wanted more specifics, you might take a look at the article posted here in FR.

'We're Going to Conquer America'

I think I pose an honest and valid question here. Again I reiterate it: "When does it cross the line from free speech to sedition?" You make only accusations and slurs. If you can't engage in a constructive dialogue, beam yourself up then.