Free Speech Is Binary: We Either Have It Or We Don't [CBD]

This is not complicated. The legal limits on speech are obvious, narrow and understandable, and don't include upsetting homicidal maniacs.

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

But....our betters seem to think differently. Here is a Fox News pundit with an inside-the-beltway take.

Greta Van Susteren, staunch defender of free speech, speaking of Pamela Geller's event:

"Everyone knew this event would unglue some who might become violent and the police had no choice but to do their jobs and be there to protect against violence."

"Was it fair to the police, to knowingly put them at risk by this unnecessary provocation?" Van Susteren asked. "I say no."

So...exercise of our God-given rights that are codified in our country's most important legal and social document is an unnecessary provocation.

Let's follow this surgically-enhanced, Scientology-spouting talking head's logic to its clear and unmistakable conclusion.

The six police officers charged in the death of Freddy Gray should be convicted and imprisoned without trial, because it is abundantly clear that were they to be found not-guilty, Everyone knows "this event would unglue some who might become violent and the police" would have "no choice but to do their jobs and be there to protect against violence."

Pamela Geller deserves our cheers and our gratitude, not self-serving, craven criticism.

Samuel Adams had the answer to Greta and the rest of our ambivalent pundits who can't imagine being brave and risking their lives for what they see as a triviality....freedom.

If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen."

And here's one that hits close to home for me. From Pamala Geller:

"Drawing Muhammad offends Islamic jihadists? So does being Jewish."

So...Greta Van Susteren of the surgically tightened face and the idiotic pseudo-religion, should I moderate the exercise of my own religion lest I offend the goat-humping, gay-killing, woman beating maniacs of Islam?

posted by Open Blogger at 02:41 PM

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