On Free Speech...

**Kagman** · 05-23-2022, 03:10 AM

“The principle of free speech is not concerned with the content of any man's speech and does not protect only the expression of good ideas, but all ideas. If it were otherwise who would determine which ideas stand up to critical scrutiny? The government?” Ayn Rand, America’s greatest political philosopher, eloquently explained.
Freedom of speech is the foundation of a free society. Without it, a tyrant can wreak havoc unopposed, while his opponents are silenced.
Putting up with being offended is essential in a pluralistic society in which people differ on basic truths. If a group will not bear being offended without resorting to violence, that group will rule unopposed while everyone else lives in fear, while other groups curtail their activities to appease the violent group. This results in the violent group being able to tyrannize the others.
If speech that offends a group is outlawed, that group has absolute power, and a free society is destroyed. A group that cannot be criticized cannot be opposed. It can work its will no matter what it is, and no one will be able to say anything to stop it.

The antidote to bad speech is more speech. But the left cannot permit the free exchange of ideas because their failed ideas cannot stand up to scrutiny and challenge.
Inoffensive speech needs no protection. The First Amendment was developed precisely in order to protect speech that was offensive to some, in order to prevent those who had power from claiming they were offended by speech opposing them and silencing the powerless.
A free society is by its nature one in which people put up with others being uncivil and offensive. The alternative is a quiet authoritarian society in which only one opinion is allowed and the others are silenced, and ultimately sent to the campsFrom: The Geller Report.