Does the 'right to free speech' actually exist in the US?

Simple question. Does it ACTUALLY exist when there are certain restrictions on speech such as slander/libel and incitement of violence? Vote in the poll!

 

Yes it exists but is under increasing relentless attack when it is considered offensive which is of course entirely subjective.

 

What about the restrictions on speech such as slander/libel and incitement of violence?

 

I say whatever I want when I want, so yes. I don’t see things like shouting fire in a movie theatre as really part of speech, as it’s really just an action, not really the conveying of thoughts and ideas.
If I don’t agree with someone or something, I can voice that opinion without having to worry about ending up in prison or anything.

 

Slander and libel are torts and therefore civil violations which clog the courts but are not government edicts against free speech.
Incitement to violence is far too subjective. I favor not criminalizing it as it is political speech.

 

Holmes stupid statement about not being allowed to shout fire in a crowded theater does not deal with the issue of whether people truly believe there is a fire. Holmes also supported forced sterilization of mentally retarded people saying three generations of imbeciles is enough so he knew nothing of liberty.

 

Sure, but what about a CALL to action? A call for violence for example. Also, can't slander/libel be the conveying of thoughts and ideas?

 

How is Civil Law not government?

 

Because these are actions between two parties seeking seeking financial restitution and the courts are merely acting as arbiters with no stake in the outcome.

 

What about yelling fire in a crowded room.

On the other hand, you have perfectly acceptable language being shouted down. Wear a MAGA hat in public and you are subject to physical attacks. When a conservative is scheduled at a university/college the any one that turns out to hear the speaker are physical attacked by the left haters. If a liberal makes a political statement that is false (most of the time), if you politely offer a counter point, you are shouted down. Take the Congressional Judicial Committee refusal to allow Barr to respond the Democrats fake questions. They would ask him a question, and then cut him off when he tried off to answer their question. As I pointed out on another thread, a Congresswoman asked Barr a Question, and Barr started to answer in the affirmative. After just a few words she cut him off saying, "I'll take that as a no". The answer to the OP question is yes there is free speach for liberals, and not for independents or conservatives.

 

And government set up that structure.

 

I know what you mean, but there's no government action taken against anyone.

 

I don’t know any other agency other than government that can enforce legally binding arbitration decisions.

That said, I think tort law is still out of control.

 

Does the 'right to free speech' actually exist in the US?

In regards to the 1st amendment? Yes.

 

Free speech is mostly under attack in the US by people pressuring corporations to limit their support for products and product placement.

That’s fine but it’s not fine when that pressure extends to government sponsored institutions like Universities. These have an obligation to present full ideas from every side and this is the slippery slope of free speech in the US.

 

If Holmes were to count the generations of imbecilic thinkers today, and look at the outcome, I think there wouldn't be any need to defend his position....
And i know nothing about Holmes. I DO know we have allowing raising small children into big children for about 50 years now without any attention to the maturation and advancement of their mental processes.
Kind of like throwing any kind of seeds to the wind, never looking back or weeding and thinking that makes you a gardener.

 

Parents need to do a better job raising their kids

 

I wonder if there will be a cull at some point in the not so distant future.

 

Then why the restrictions on speech?

 

What restrictions has the govt put on free speech?

 

If you can't peacefully burn down a federal court house, does free speech even exit.

 

I see no problem with a call to action. Of course, if people then go on to commit violence, the line is crossed. You shouldn’t be arrested for words.

 

I think it exists in general. As far as I know those aspects you mention are not considered free speech anywhere in the world (if I understand "incitement of violence" as sedition against legitimate government) . But if we include the broader aspects like freedom of the press, freedom of information and the right to protest; all of which are part of free-speech IMO, they have been under attack at times, but by far most particularly by this administration.

 

I'm going to file all the concerns about there not being 'free speech' in the US under first world problems.
What I do find ironic is the fact that those who think there is no free speech seem to be Trump supporters. He has untethered free speech, while wanting to silence the media. He openly attacks those who are exercising their rights to free speech (ie. NFL players kneeling).

 

How has Trump or the right been SUCCESSFUL in stifling free speech?
The left has been extremely successful in stifling free speech in the US university system and all the way down to pre k education.