Billo said,
“For democracy to work we must have a "marketplace of ideas". Which is something that will become illegal if we whined up with a President McCain! He's not even honest about his position regarding free speech. He tries to mask it in a bogus cause.”
I agree too that we must have a marketplace of ideas.
McCain is from my state and not many people like him. He has never been one of my favorites, but then I dont really like anyone at the present time. He is exactly like all the politicians out there, Hillary, Obama, they say one thing (depending on what group they are with) and do another. None are different…. none are outstanding morally or ethically with anything different to say, certainly no real solutions to the big problems we face today. Illegal Immigration isn’t a problem as both sides don’t want to do anything about it……public education is a cess pool as is our health care system. So I guess ya have to pick the lesser of the evil.
However IMO Mccain is right about saving kids from sexual predators and we have to do everything we can to prevent this. Our laws are to lenient.
I believe our public airwaves should be watched and controlled to some extent. We eliminated smoking from public places we need to clean up in other areas, free speech or not. I am talking about radio, television mainly, where children can turn it on and listen to vile broadcasting.
I do believe in free speech, I even believe scum ball Howard Stern has to right to free speech depending on where he chooses to do it. I believe the public welfare sometimes trumps free speech however. Example…….those lunatic religious protestors at military funerals. They should be allowed to voice their opinions but not at the funeral.
Should we be able to blow up a piece of pornography and hang it outside our homes for everyone to see as they go by? Should we be able to go to the public park and see a couple having sex on a park bench? Should someone in their community be able to paint their home whatever color that they wish, lime green, Halloween orange with purple stripes?
He also said in his speech this….
“ We have our disagreements, we Americans. We contend regularly and enthusiastically over many questions: over the size and purposes of our government; over the social responsibilities we accept in accord with the dictates of our conscience and our faithfulness to the God we pray to; over our role in the world and how to defend our security interests and values in places where they are threatened. These are important questions; worth arguing about. We should contend over them with one another. It is more than appropriate, it is necessary that even in times of crisis, especially in times of crisis, we fight among ourselves for the things we believe in. It is not just our right, but our civic and moral obligation.”
He advocates discussing issues and the problems we face. He would probably (in his defense) be willing to debate what he feels to be true against anyone else who has an opposing views. He says we should fight for what we believe in. And that is what most Americans should do. He is no different than anyone else and should be allowed to fight for what he believes.... however deceptive you think he is. He is exercising free speech. You are free to excersize yours.
McCain,” I believe, as I hope all Americans would believe, that no matter where people live, no matter their history or religious beliefs or the size of their GDP, all people share the desire to be free; to make by their own choices and industry better lives for themselves and their children”
He also believes in freedom. The only difference is… that his idea of what makes a better life is different than yours.
McCain, “Let us argue with each other then. By all means, let us argue. Our differences are not petty, they often involve cherished beliefs, and represent our best judgment about what is right for our country and humanity. Let us defend those beliefs. Let’s do so sincerely and strenuously. It is our right and duty to do so. And let’s not be too dismayed with the tenor and passion of our arguments, even when they wound us. We have fought among ourselves before in our history, over big things and small, with worse vitriol and bitterness than we experience today.”
I must say I think his speech was wonderful. Maybe I like him better than I thought.
