Free speech is not wrong. Then why can't I say a slew of words that begin with n, f, k, c, g, w, m, d, etc.? Without being accused of 'hate speech'? Regardless of context, these words are being expunged from our culture to the sometimes detriment of its history and literature.
I noticed the 'Impeach Bush' bumper sticker, which looked like a production unit. If the students made these posters, were they the result of an assignment? Why were there no posters supporting the president if there is free speech in the classroom? Have you, personally ever openly disagreed with a teacher? Was your free speech stifled?
>>Then why can't I say a slew of words that begin with n, f, k, c, g, w, m, d, etc.?<<
You know you can say those words and you probably do, but you have to be careful about the audience. That's always been the case.
>>Without being accused of 'hate speech'?<<
The First Amendment doesn't protect obscenities, and it doesn't protect crimes, and it doesn't protect libel and slander. It's intended to protect freedom of religion and freedom of expression, especially political thought, even political thought that you disagree with.
In a democratic republic, people are not going to agree on everything, and they shouldn't. They should be able to express their beliefs passionately without fear of government repression. That's one of the major differences between the US and places like China and Cuba and North Korea and Saudi Arabia.
>>Regardless of context, these words are being expunged from our culture to the sometimes detriment of its history and literature.<<
I don't think so. You seem to be well-versed in their usage.
>>I noticed the 'Impeach Bush' bumper sticker, which looked like a production unit. If the students made these posters, were they the result of an assignment?<<
Unless more photos of posters have turned up since the last time I looked at Rush's web site, there was one photo of a poster and one photo of a door with several bumper stickers and one photo of the classroom with some paper mache' heads and a couple of photos of a bulletin board with a sign saying "GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS". The bumper stickers were clearly mass produced. The poster was clearly student artwork.
>>Why were there no posters supporting the president if there is free speech in the classroom?<<
I see that Rush has more photos of the classroom. Here is a link to one that shows a sign saying "GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS" and a copy of the famous photo of the Kurdish child that was killed when Saddam gassed the Kurds. People who supported the war in Iraq used that photo as proof that Saddam had WMD and was willing to use them.
http://rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_050703/content/web_photos_2.guest.html >>Have you, personally ever openly disagreed with a teacher?<<
Yes, many times. I am very outspoken and have been all my life. I love to argue and debate. However, I try to develop a rapport with people and I listen to what they say respectfully, especially when they are in a position of authority.
>>Was your free speech stifled?<<
No, I was pretty much a teacher's pet, especially with teachers that liked an intellectual challenge.
Maybe it's because I care more about truth and ideals than whether I can say "words that begin with n, f, k, c, g, w, m, d, etc." I do support your right to say them, perhaps in a nightclub doing standup, or in a bar with your friends. But that orientation isn't endearing to teacher types.