Re: Boycott O'Reilly

[Abigail-II]

I thought there was the concept of freedom of speech?

Yes, and? First of all, "freedom of speech" refers to what the government isn't allowed to do. But even in a non-legal sense, "freedom of speech" isn't a magic wand that can justify any deed.

Freedom of speech gives you the right to speak. But that's just the right to speak. It doesn't give you the right to be heard - others have the right to ignore you. Nor does "freedom of speech" lift you from your moral or legal responsibilities.

Now, don't get me wrong. I don't have the opinion that O'Reilly shouldn't have published to book. I just think this book has more reasons to exist that just "freedom of speech".

Abigail

[simon.proctor]

 I just think this book has more reasons to exist that just "freedom o
+f speech".

So do I. I indicated it in my own ineffectual way with the opening part of my node. But that doesn't matter ;).

I'm not so naieve to believe that any granted freedom is a guarantee of right to exercise that freedom. But thats an argument for a different forum on another day.