[Vision2020] Celebrate freedom, kick a flag--burner's ass!

[g. crabtree]

I believe that Tony and Matt feel that when the content of a statement includes  burning the US flag, it is as offensive as any disparaging term one might use when making a statement regarding any other topic. Hardly apples and oranges. Hate speech laws not only make it illegal to use certain "content" but also express certain view points. A far more serious infringement of the first amendment to my way of thinking.

gc
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Tom Hansen 
  To: 'g. crabtree' ; 'Paul Rumelhart' ; vision2020 at moscow.com 
  Sent: Monday, August 21, 2006 6:50 AM
  Subject: RE: [Vision2020] Celebrate freedom, kick a flag--burner's ass!


  gc -

   

  You are talking apples and oranges.

   

  I, as well as a vast majority of V2020 subscribers, believe in every person's right to make a statement even if we disagree with the content of that statement.

   

  If "a disparaging term was used by someone to express an 'unapproved' opinion with regard to minorities, women, homosexuals, food animals, or what have you", the complaint against such an individual would NOT be against that person's right to make a statement, but a disagreement with the content of that person's statement.



  For example:  If you were to purchase a certain product and I stated that I do not care much for the product you purchased, I am not arguing that you do not have a right to purchase products, merely that I do not care for that particular product.

   

  Do you understand now?

   

  Tom Hansen

  Moscow, Idaho

  "Implicit in the term 'national defense' is the notion of defending those values and ideas which set this Nation apart. . . . It would indeed be ironic if, in the name of national defense, we would sanction the subversion of . . . those liberties . . . which makes the defense of the Nation worthwhile."

  - Chief Justice Earl Warren (1967) 


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  From: vision2020-bounces at moscow.com [mailto:vision2020-bounces at moscow.com] On Behalf Of g. crabtree
  Sent: Monday, August 21, 2006 6:21 AM
  To: Paul Rumelhart; vision2020 at moscow.com
  Subject: Re: [Vision2020] Celebrate freedom, kick a flag--burner's ass!

   

  Mr. Rumelhart brings up an interesting point when he says,"Freedom of Speech is not a piecemeal concept.  It has to be all or nothing.  The minute you start limiting it, it's usefulness in all areas goes right out the door.  Look at "hate speech".  This concept is becoming broader by the second in our PC society." It would seem that the folks who would be the first to defend someone's right to burn our flag would loudly howl if a disparaging term was used by someone to express an "unapproved" opinion with regard to minorities, women, homosexuals, food animals, or what have you. These  "patriots" are  mighty quick to celebrate diversity and dissent as long as its the right kind. Gore their ox and their much yapped about tolerance flies out the window. 

   

    gc
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