I've seen a disturbing amount of users misunderstanding the term "free speech." For some reason, a number of people have this idea in mind:
"If people try to silence you, they are infringing on your right to free speech."
This idea isn't necessarily true. Free speech is a protection from state authority only. A better statement is:
"If the state tries to silence you, they are infringing on your right to free speech."
So, while it's arguably unethical and intellectually cheap to try and silence opposing viewpoints (I'm looking at you, leftists), it isn't infringing on your right to free speech unless the state is involved.
Do [i]you[/i] understand free speech?
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2 RepliesFree Speech doesn't mean you are free to commit libel, slander, harassment or threats either. Let's say there's a wedding reception held in a meeting room rented by the bride/groom's parents. One of the attendees starts saying things that disturbs the other guests and gets removed from the reception at the request of the bride and groom's parents. His rights were not violated. It's not public property. The people who rented the facility have the right to not have the event disrupted.