Good video documentary, although the recording quality could be better [video=youtube;EmPGgBtCJJM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmPGgBtCJJM[/video]
The video posted is nearly an hour long, which is more time than I can responsibly set aside for becoming involved in a single thread. Is there any chance you could paraphrase some key points made by Stossel to which viewers here could more easily respond?
The video basically showed countless examples of instances where it is actually silly and rather pointless to try to censor books, and showing how the control over free speech can be abused by the government. It shows that free speech is already effectively being limited by governmnet in many subtle ways. Stossel suggests that the police in New York are using excuses to arrest people for saying things that those in authority do not like.
So when does free speech move into the realm of defamation of character? PS. I actually agree with you .. I know a shock isn't it.
I do not see how there can really be political discourse without defamation attacks on the character of our politicians. Let me ask you this: How would those on the left feel if corporations could sue for defamation damages? No criticizing Monsanto or Walmart. (or Tesco is you live in the UK) Limiting speech is a dangerous game.
Freedom of speech is fine IF it contains the truth supported by evidence, otherwise it is just hearsay. Problem is I am not "on the left", my political support is very much on the right here in the UK, I am an active member of UKIP - http://www.ukip.org/
