I will be the first to say that our country and our government are not perfect. I like to consider myself a true patriot of my country. After serving four years in the U.S. Marine Corp, I too have some issues with some of our laws and government; but that does not give me the right to go out and kill innocent people. There are so many other ways to make a point or take a stand. Pulling a trigger and taking a life is such an easy and cowardly thing to do. We have to remember that this individual had some mental instability issues also. This is truly a tragedy, and ultimately nothing was really accomplished with his outbreak.
Everyone has a responsibility for what they say and for what they do; however, the responsibility is even greater in the case of all public figures, especially politicians. Not knowing what people think can also be a danger an unknown threat. Ignorance, is the profound darkness that the Buddhists speak of, and when you mentioned that Norway has a law that condemns hate speeches, I believe that it would be the country with the highest crime rate in Europe if it didn’t. In all of my life I had never been discriminated, when I walked in the streets it was “Norge for Nordmenn” (Norway is for the Norwegians). That type of action and other similar reactions come from a total lack of knowledge of what is foreign to their country. You can never understand a culture if you do not speak the language, I went to University and learned Norwegian, I speak fluently, it was my sixth language. Once a skinhead followed my car and he attacked me at a red light, opening the door of my Audi, he tried to pull me out. I drove off speeding to the nearest police. No, professor, the law might be a way of keeping politicians from instigating the masses into killing foreigners in Scandinavian countries nevertheless, the everyday reality is terrible. There is inequality even when they invite speakers on TV, the foreigners are seldom well represented. That does not happen in the USA. This country is immense, made by immigrants with Professors Triff, Herman Munos, and people that care and try to give to the new generations by taking them out of darkness. I believe that these are the greatest assets of this nation: the contrasts, the diversity, the opportunities, the choices and above all the spirit. I might be naïve in my evaluation, I am learning. However, I still believe that a nation like the USA of America can afford to have the Liberalism and cope with consequences that might have happened because of other factors. More objectively and without the passion that comes with being Brazilian, every Law, every rule has a consequence. Thanks to freedom of speech the world can witness the incendiary, ridiculous words of the Westboro Baptist Church and take action to condemn them. Hence, freedom of speech on the one hand allows us to assess people’s ideas, on the other it gives us the power and freedom to speak up for or against them. I do not know if underground-organized right wing organizations, which are powerful in Scandinavia, are punished openly for every violent action, as they should, I do not think so. The mere fact that they are not openly expressing themselves gives them a mysterious victimized power. Either way there will be pros and cons. Forbidding hate speeches has not stopped the wave of homophobia in Europe or Nazi underground movements. Innumerous crimes are committed and go unpunished. As someone that has had experience living in a few places, I love the USA and the way it enables people to accomplish their dreams if they work for it. The election of Barack Obama is, in my opinion, an unforgettable episode in the history of this country. He was elected in spite and because of Liberalism. Freedom of speech in itself is not a crime until it infringes the right to live. The speech given by the members of the ultra-conservative Westboro Baptist Church is not incendiary, what is incendiary is the actions taken by their followers or sympathizers. Words can be countered, can be opposed and argued, death is irreversible and a crime. It must be punished and by punishing it justice is condemning the action of killing and the illegal means used by people with the ideas that instigated such actions. There is no need for violence when one has principles and strong values. That is a message that we send by officially punishing such actions: The Nation speaks against the horrible crime that was committed in Arizona and its causes. Vera Saeme
Freedom of expression is the right of speech or to express yourself and to give your opinion on a particular subject. Based on the article about the shooting in Arizona, they were discussing about the freedom of expression. The shooter caused six lives, including a judge and a nine year old girl. On my opinion I believe that person was cruel. A person cannot just kill innocent people for no reason. It is wrong because they did not give those people lives. Based on the picture about U.S. marines who is running for congress, I believe that the candidate main theme is about the army or war because it will attract the veterans to vote for him. One of my favorite picture on the article is the picture that shows the woman who’s holding two posters that say: “Thank God for Sept. 11, God hates fags.” Those comments intrigue me because they were so many people who lost their lives on this tragedy and yet a woman mention that Sept 11 was for a good cause just because she hates fags.
Freedom of expression is the right of speech or to express yourself and to give your opinion on a particular subject. Based on the article about the shooting in Arizona, they were discussing about the freedom of expression. The shooter caused six lives, including a judge and a nine year old girl. On my opinion I believe that person was cruel. A person cannot just kill innocent people for no reason. It is wrong because they did not give those people lives. Based on the picture about U.S. marines who is running for congress, I believe that the candidate main theme is about the army or war because it will attract the veterans to vote for him. One of my favorite picture on the article is the picture that shows the woman who’s holding two posters that say: “Thank God for Sept. 11, God hates fags.” Those comments intrigue me because they were so many people who lost their lives on this tragedy and yet a woman mention that Sept 11 was for a good cause just because she hates fags. by Reginald Belizaire
Many times our right of freedom of speech is taken out of hand. Many of us believe that with that right, we can do pretty much anything and get away with it. Yes, we as a citizen of the United States do have the right to our own opinion; to freely express what we think is right. However, when you disagree with our laws, amendments and you decide to hurt someone, you abuse that right. There are countless ways for you to fight for what you think is right, in a respectful way. For example, just last week six lives were lost; including those of a judge and a nine year old girl. The young man was enraged over a ruthless statement and misunderstanding with the congress woman. Under these circumstances, different actions should have taken place. He could have written a letter to this congress woman expressing his opposing outlook. As for a flag showing a rifle stating “come and take it”, what does this state? That violence is the only answer? Wrong. At the end of day everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but what is too much for freedom of speech?
Freedom of expression! It’s written in the American constitution that “the congress shall make no law (…) prohibiting the freedom of religion, press and speech” to any American citizen. However; what people don’t understand is the difference between expressing yourself and offending others. The United States of America is one of the most diversity countries in the world. People from different culture, from different nations and with different skin-color live here. People with different sexual orientation, political points of view and religion share the same country. Nevertheless, the human being has not been prepared to respect this diversity. I’m not even saying “accept” or “understand” others. You don’t need to accept something; you just need to RESPECT it. People hate when someone - or something - is different from them. If I am American and you are immigrant, I hate you. If I am white and you are black, I hate you. If I am straight and you are homosexual, I hate you as well. If I am republican and you are democratic, I hate you. People have become selfish and unable to think collectively in order to make the world a better place to live. Ethics, morality, etiquette are just concepts in a piece of paper and there is no law able to change it if the human beings’ brain doesn’t want to.
When you hear the phrase “Freedom of Speech,” the first thing that comes to mind is probably controversy. Based on this article about the shooting in Arizona, it seems many people rely too much on that phrase as some sort of a protection for the things they say or even signs they make. Given, the worst thing a human being could possibly do is take another human beings life. Gifford’s shooting was clearly an act of disgust and hate which unfortunately caused the lives of 6 people including a judge and a 9 year old girl. In my opinion he should be given the capital punishment. On the other hand, people should also educate themselves on how powerful words can be. Overall, freedom of speech is without a doubt used in our everyday lives and if you really take a second and think about it, how would most people get a message across to other people. Or how would the president of the United States give his or her speech effectively with strong points and so on and so forth. It’s become second nature to almost everyone indeed, but unfortunately it’s also caused the lives of many people throughout the years.
Unfortunately we have many ignorant people in this world that do not know how to respect others actions or opinions. A simple example are parents with children. Some are open to their child's mistakes and talk it through with them and let them grow. While others will ground their children for life and beat them for living their lives. Freedom of speech is a basic right that has been given to citizens of these United States. However rights like privileges are often taken advantage of. Back to the child example; a child may have the privilege of staying out till 11pm but they often take advantage of that and start asking for more time or stay out of the house till 11pm and come strolling in a few minutes later. People much like children want to be able to roam freely and do or say as they please without taking others feelings into consideration. That is where the issues come in to play. We as a people need to be conscious of our surroundings and what we say. Respect is a very powerful word that people often overlook. You have to respect others to gain respect in return. One may have the right to call someone out in the middle of class but is it really necessary? Do you really need to start cussing someone out because you do not like the way that person looks, speaks, acts or anything of the sort? Of course we do not live in a perfect world being humans we are incapable of being perfect but we can at least act with decency. All these hate crimes and rowdy arguments against homosexuals are ridiculous. Nobody comes after you for being straight leave others alone. Live your life and let them live theirs. These church goers may think they are only doing God's work. If it is God's work then let God do it. If you follow a God who is pleased with the spilling of blood and approves of poisonous behavior you may need to consider finding a new God.
This issue is controversial and very diverse. Much can be said about hate speech and how it fits under amendment one. Or we can try to prove a point about the laws in Arizona and how many say it has become a Mecca for prejudice and bigotry. We can also try to figure out why this man decided to do this. Maybe the media was very influential in his life, or he was influenced by an atmosphere filled with hate and murderous rhetoric. People begin to point fingers at the leaders of the state, since the gun laws are very lenient. With laws come responsibility, there are “people smart enough to read between the lines” like Mill stated. The state shouldn’t be at fault for those people who distort and misinterpret laws. Amendment 1- Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. This is saying: you can express yourself without being put in jail; you can praise a God without being chased and killed for worshiping, or the right to make a complaint to, or seek their assistance. This does not give the right to express yourself in ways to hurt others. I believe Hate speech doesn’t mean that either, either way hate speech shouldn’t be allowed at all, I consider that wrong doing. I am a believer in God myself and I must say that Baptist church is wrong. God is love; if he not be love then he would not be God. Those words are incendiary, hate speech that may causes destruction.
Freedom of expression is the right that Americans have under the first amendment to express their thoughts and feelings openly to the public. I believe that due to its lack of limitations is the reason that tragic events like the shooting in Arizona have occurred. People take their freedom to the maximum level, for example the posters and the web publication made by the Westboro Baptist Church. Those types of expressions can easily manipulate a weak minded individual to actually think shootings are ok. It’s obvious that we the people don’t have the common sense to handle freedom of expression and be able to know our limits morally. Possibly our nation might work better if hate speech was prohibited like in most European countries. People would have to rethink their statements before expressing them on a speech, website, poster, ext. Limitations need to be made, hopefully in the near future.
Political propaganda has an influence on the masses, but it is not so influential to the point where one would be persuaded and convinced to shoot a group of people. It is clear that after seeing Jared Lee Laughner’s photo and hearing his parent’s response to the media, that this man has psychotic issues. To the point where even his parents were in disbelief and shock. It was discussed in class that we Americans have sort of raised a society of lying, untrustworthy politicians, and even though we know these politicians are so, we would have it no other way. Chanting and cheering when they bash an opposing politician even though its lies. Nowadays it’s not about who the honest politician is, but who is the least conniving. Is freedom of speech the issue? If we place restrictions on freedom of speech then the term freedom of speech would be inaccurate. Politics would be even the more distrustful, politicians would commend opposing politicians and politics would be more peaceful, but vague. The issue is not how things are expressed but why those feelings that are expressed there. Does not letting politicians blatantly lie on each other stop them from disliking each other? Limit their expression and one would just quite there animosity towards each other. Thus creating a fake atmosphere of politics, having the masses feel like congress is a big happy family when in reality it’s rotten from the inside out. The problem has to be fixed from the root. Such as have a society that does not tolerate distrustful politicians, or an educational system that teaches honest and fairness and the basic principles of right and wrong in this capitalist government.
Freedom of expression is a legal right used to communicate not only of verbal speech, but any act of seeking ideas. Nowadays, people misunderstand the real meaning of freedom because of lack of limitation. They think they can say and do whatever they want because they have the right for that. However, everything you say or do have consequences, whether good or bad. As human being, we have to be careful of what we are saying or doing because what we've said or done can cause great impact in our lives.
As we all know that the First Amendment support the Freedom of Speech and Expression; but however it is only supported if the moral standards are morally right and ethical and will not cause any harm the people of United Stated and the society. Furthermore the shooting that occurred in Arizona was morally wrong and unethical where a nine year old girl and a judge were injured. Nevertheless to my point of view this article is stating that its okay express ourselves the way that we want as long was we try to get the point across not caring in what way it will affect the other people and their believes. Freedom of speech should only be labeled legal is its moral standards are whiting the law and will not harm anyone in the process where a part can be satisfied and happy in the expense of another person discomfort.
Having Freedom of Speech is a great amendment to take advantage of when you want something to be done RIGHT not wrong. However, we obviously have different views on what’s right or wrong making Freedom of Speech a double edge tool for society. I think that people should think before they speak. Some people’s opinion may be right in their culture but that doesn’t mean it is right for everyone, like take for example the “God Hates Fags” group. Obviously this is a controversial topic that should be discussed without insulting anyone (actually any topic should be argued without belittling anyone). Freedom of speech passes the limit when it starts to hurt people (even if it’s just mentally and emotionally). I believe though that culture has a big affect on people’s opinion be it good or bad and I think the way we are raised sometimes is more than 50% responsible on how we express ourselves. Some people are not taught the different ways there are to express ourselves - respecting and not hurting anyone BUT getting your point across. The shooting in Arizona is an example on how innocent lives were taken by that young man without mere consideration of anything but his own “feelings.” I quote ‘feeling’ because I just think this young man was plain CRAZY. Additionally, I find interesting on how Hispanics were relieved when the shooter turned out to be a White American than a Hispanic, which personally I am also relieved. However, I bet if the shooter was Hispanic everyone would criticize and just assume it’s an immigrant problem, making more people believe that immigrants should just go back to their own country. Freedom of speech should be expressed when one has proof on how their opinion has more positive impact on the world.
Rose Tania said, In America we enjoy a freedom that gives us the option to express our opinion without persecution. We are not limited to one frame of mind but to our own thought and ideas. When you look at the picture of the women holding the posters saying that GOD HATES FAGS, THANK GOD FOR SEPT.11. When you see something like that you cannot understand how someone can be so cruel as to say something so mean when on 9/11 so many people lost their life and you say that God did this. As I illustrated above we enjoy a freedom that allows us the opportunity to express ourselves .I am from a country when in the 1900's the country was ruled by a dictator that if you spoke against the government you were shot on the spot. I often ask myself if our freedom of speech is putting us in more danger. The shooting in Arizona shows us the negative ways that an individual choose to express themselves. The shooter instead of expressing himself in a safe manner went in and started shooting, he claimed the lives of seven innocent people that did not deserve to die. How many more must die before we realize that the line is too far. Rose Tania Mainville
Everyone agree that we need Freedom of Speech in our country. But sometimes we don’t respect that Amendment instead we do bad stuff like killing innocent people who doesn’t deserve to die or saying bad things that are insult to others. I think what happened in Gifford’s' shooting ,it was a tragic because a little girl die because of that shooting. Nobody should express their anger or feelings by insulting or killing someone. There are so many ways that people can express such letters, or talking to other person that can help them. Sometimes the way we express to other can cause consequences so we have to be careful with what we say and do. Our country has lost respect to each other in the way that we express and act. We need to learn that not everyone has the same thoughts but we can solve that not with guns neither with bad words or bad actions just by expressing with good manners. - Yary Ortiz!
It is a great thing to be able to express all thoughts and ideas yet like little kids when you don’t put boundaries then they grow up to know there are no boundaries. The Unites States is one of the greats countries for giving their citizen what they need and don’t and for offering them freedom. When it comes to freedom people are the one to set their own limits, for example some people can talk about whatever they want in order to express themselves and some others take it to the extreme and take action upon their thoughts. I do praise the amendment that gives us freedom of speech, but I also think that to this freedom boundaries should be set. Due to the fact that man thinks that the power lies in their hands most of time, then the idea can be taken literal. Like in the case of the shooting; there are many ways of expression, and the constitution does not restrict that. In many cases people say things that may be right to them, but the way they put it in words may offend other people who have the right to negate, and there is where disrespect comes in. if we are such a respected country why can’t we apply the same concept towards the citizens and give ourselves the right to be respected. Lets apply the concept and respect one another, but of course not everyone thinks and acts the same. In cases like this people take action in different manners to defend in what they believe, because they have the freedom to do so. One single word is capable of saying a lot because of course there is the denotation and connotation and it depends on the person who reads it to give meaning to the word. It is true that “with freedom comes great responsibility”, yet no everyone can take such responsibilities in their hand not because they may not want to, but because there are other impairments. The media has been informing that the person to blame for the shooting wasn’t mentally stable meaning that such responsibility cannot be given to such individuals. With this being said I do think that it is a great thing to being able to express thought referring to many topics and concepts yet there should be restrictions to such in order to settling some sort of structure. Freedom of speech does not give you the freedom to take innocents life. Yet speech can be dangerous when it fall under a powerful mouth who can say a lot without talking much, and everyone takes a different stand when it comes to expressing themselves.
I believe that there is no such thing as being perfect, but I do believe that we all have the right to express ourselves. However, celebrities and public figures do have to have a higher responsibility on watching the way they express themselves. Freedom of speech doesn’t mean to take advantage and take someone’s live. I seriously think this person has no heart for taking their lives away. Especially the nine year old girl. It is not fair for them and their families, but who said life is fair. For instance, I think that “freedom of speech” should be limited because it has caused a lot of incidents; the verbally and written way we express how we feel and what we think should be limited. Hopefully this limitation takes action in the near future.
The shooting in Arizona is such a diverse and controversial issue in many ways. The endless probabilities of such causes can’t be exactly known Starting of by Amendment 1; freedom of speech and expression. The right to freedom of expression can be described as a war, a never endless battle between right and wrong as well as morally and ethically. In this war there are many battles between freedom of speech and laws limiting that freedom; more specifically the ability to spread hate propaganda and the "hate laws". I strongly believe our freedom of expression should be respected, of course only if it’s done right and harmless. The issue does not stop here, Arizona eased gun restrictions last year when it passed a law allowing residents 21 and older to conceal and carry a weapon without a permit. The liberalism and lenient laws of Arizona towards gun restrictions can have lead to be an enormous cause of the shooting.
I disagree with the Arizona law that people are allowed to carry conceal weapons around without a permit because we can’t be trusted. People tend take advantage of any type of little freedom we can get. We have to realize everybody has a different conscience meaning people would look at things the way they want to see it. “1st Amendment” you don’t know how people would act on the laws that are given. I believe it was wrong for one man to kill innocent people just because he was trying to prove a point or make a statement. He might have took the 1st Amendment to seriously and acted upon it. Just because there are laws that allow you to do certain things doesn’t mean they should be taken advantage of. Like owning a gun at home for protection doesn’t mean you would go and shoot people just they are delivering newspaper or mail. You have to understand right and wrong.
While freedom of speech may be important so that every person could identify themselves as an individual to society. Sometimes before expressing ourselves we should stop and think about the consequences of the actions and means we choose to use to do so. We can't possibly think that just becasue we don't agree with someone we have the right, moral or justifyable to go on a killing spree. Prohibiting hate speech may limit to some point the idea of free expression, but unfortunately there are some people that can't seem to understand where the line is between their rights and others; therefore in some cases I would agree with it. I feel bad for people like Jared Lee who take the cowardly way out and decide to kill people innocents included. Death is never the right choice, there's always something we can do to get our point accross without having to go that far. We could all start pointing fingers and blame one person or another and while I don't agree with some of the ways in which politics are presented to us as the public but we all take the message however we want and if there's anyone to blame for such a horrendous act, is in fact only one person. The one carelessly pulling the trigger. Ernesto Castro.
The way the constitution was written I believe for it to last all these years as the law of our land is amazing. Something written so many years to rule a country always evolving and changing has something to say about the caliber of the writers . Of course with a few changes being made to it by our amendments. The first amendment and how law makers tend to interpret what is covered under it makes sense. You are covered as long as your not infringing upon another person rights The shooting in Arizona by no means to me was something that had a great political agenda behind it. From my point of view it seems to be a man who had finally unraveled . Also from interviews with people who knew him he had gone through a personality transformation. He didn't seem the same and was a different person than before. Someone who is able to commit such a thing one has to wonder if mentally he is all there.
Freedom of speech is a right that no one should be denied. This right gives us the opportunity to speak our minds freely without being censored. Even though I strongly believe that one should have the freedom to express themselves; I also believe that one person’s rights end where the other person’s rights begin. Just like we have this right, we have the right to feel safe and not be harassed. An individual should be able to walk down the street and not be bothered no matter what sexuality, color, etc. The freedom of speech goes both ways, just because we don’t agree we shouldn’t try to force our views on others. Freedom of speech doesn’t grant us the right to do that. There’s some things people do that are against my values and beliefs but that does not give me the right to target my hatred towards them and put their safety in danger. People often don’t think about the consequences of their actions and the effects they will have on other people’s lives.
Being able to express ones opinion in this country is a Right. In other countries is would be considered an offense and more than a privilege. In this case the gunman expressed himself greatly to show just how upset he might have been. But that doesn't make it right of course to go around firing off to express feelings. Some have an extreme and direct approach towards expressing an idea, opinion or situation. This ends up resulting in a majority of the viewers more discarded towards the image it portrays vs the point its meant to display.
With the Westboro Baptist Church's opinion towards this terrible event, I find it to be completely ridiculous. If they can display their opinion in such a manner then my own will be fine to say that they have an extremist view towards their beliefs.”Thank God for Sept 11th”?... That is ridiculous. Other Christians would look down upon such remarks.
Anyone has the right to stand up to what they believe, anyone had the right of freedom of speech and that comes with negative feelings or positive feelings, anyone has the right to say mean things and hurtful things about anyone or any political matter even though it might be wrong.. they have the right to do so because of freedom of speech. But freedom of speech does NOT give anyone the right to kill innocent individuals under an circumstances. Freedom of speech does not mean freedom of act. The shooting of Arizona is truely a tragety and its ashamed that things have to happen this way but thats how the worlds works sadly.. not everyone agrees on the same ideas and some people cannot control their anger, wether is someone with a mental illess or not. Another thing that truly upsets me is the poster of the lady saying "god hates fags" i mean that is the most saddest thing i have seen.. as if homosexuals werent just like us- Humans. In a perfect word everyone would keep their opinions to themselves, everyone would be in peace and quiet unfortunately that will never happen and we are always going to have people who have no ethics and no morals. Ellen Ortiz
I will be the first to say that our country and our government are not perfect. I like to consider myself a true patriot of my country. After serving four years in the U.S. Marine Corp, I too have some issues with some of our laws and government; but that does not give me the right to go out and kill innocent people. There are so many other ways to make a point or take a stand. Pulling a trigger and taking a life is such an easy and cowardly thing to do. We have to remember that this individual had some mental instability issues also. This is truly a tragedy, and ultimately nothing was really accomplished with his outbreak.
ReplyDeleteBy Jose Guadalupe
Everyone has a responsibility for what they say and for what they do; however, the responsibility is even greater in the case of all public figures, especially politicians. Not knowing what people think can also be a danger an unknown threat. Ignorance, is the profound darkness that the Buddhists speak of, and when you mentioned that Norway has a law that condemns hate speeches, I believe that it would be the country with the highest crime rate in Europe if it didn’t. In all of my life I had never been discriminated, when I walked in the streets it was “Norge for Nordmenn” (Norway is for the Norwegians). That type of action and other similar reactions come from a total lack of knowledge of what is foreign to their country. You can never understand a culture if you do not speak the language, I went to University and learned Norwegian, I speak fluently, it was my sixth language. Once a skinhead followed my car and he attacked me at a red light, opening the door of my Audi, he tried to pull me out. I drove off speeding to the nearest police. No, professor, the law might be a way of keeping politicians from instigating the masses into killing foreigners in Scandinavian countries nevertheless, the everyday reality is terrible.
ReplyDeleteThere is inequality even when they invite speakers on TV, the foreigners are seldom well represented. That does not happen in the USA. This country is immense, made by immigrants with Professors Triff, Herman Munos, and people that care and try to give to the new generations by taking them out of darkness. I believe that these are the greatest assets of this nation: the contrasts, the diversity, the opportunities, the choices and above all the spirit. I might be naïve in my evaluation, I am learning. However, I still believe that a nation like the USA of America can afford to have the Liberalism and cope with consequences that might have happened because of other factors.
More objectively and without the passion that comes with being Brazilian, every Law, every rule has a consequence. Thanks to freedom of speech the world can witness the incendiary, ridiculous words of the Westboro Baptist Church and take action to condemn them. Hence, freedom of speech on the one hand allows us to assess people’s ideas, on the other it gives us the power and freedom to speak up for or against them. I do not know if underground-organized right wing organizations, which are powerful in Scandinavia, are punished openly for every violent action, as they should, I do not think so. The mere fact that they are not openly expressing themselves gives them a mysterious victimized power. Either way there will be pros and cons.
Forbidding hate speeches has not stopped the wave of homophobia in Europe or Nazi underground movements. Innumerous crimes are committed and go unpunished.
As someone that has had experience living in a few places, I love the USA and the way it enables people to accomplish their dreams if they work for it. The election of Barack Obama is, in my opinion, an unforgettable episode in the history of this country. He was elected in spite and because of Liberalism.
Freedom of speech in itself is not a crime until it infringes the right to live. The speech given by the members of the ultra-conservative Westboro Baptist Church is not incendiary, what is incendiary is the actions taken by their followers or sympathizers. Words can be countered, can be opposed and argued, death is irreversible and a crime. It must be punished and by punishing it justice is condemning the action of killing and the illegal means used by people with the ideas that instigated such actions. There is no need for violence when one has principles and strong values. That is a message that we send by officially punishing such actions: The Nation speaks against the horrible crime that was committed in Arizona and its causes.
Vera Saeme
Freedom of expression is the right of speech or to express yourself and to give your opinion on a particular subject. Based on the article about the shooting in Arizona, they were discussing about the freedom of expression. The shooter caused six lives, including a judge and a nine year old girl. On my opinion I believe that person was cruel. A person cannot just kill innocent people for no reason. It is wrong because they did not give those people lives. Based on the picture about U.S. marines who is running for congress, I believe that the candidate main theme is about the army or war because it will attract the veterans to vote for him. One of my favorite picture on the article is the picture that shows the woman who’s holding two posters that say: “Thank God for Sept. 11, God hates fags.” Those comments intrigue me because they were so many people who lost their lives on this tragedy and yet a woman mention that Sept 11 was for a good cause just because she hates fags.
ReplyDeleteFreedom of expression is the right of speech or to express yourself and to give your opinion on a particular subject. Based on the article about the shooting in Arizona, they were discussing about the freedom of expression. The shooter caused six lives, including a judge and a nine year old girl. On my opinion I believe that person was cruel. A person cannot just kill innocent people for no reason. It is wrong because they did not give those people lives. Based on the picture about U.S. marines who is running for congress, I believe that the candidate main theme is about the army or war because it will attract the veterans to vote for him. One of my favorite picture on the article is the picture that shows the woman who’s holding two posters that say: “Thank God for Sept. 11, God hates fags.” Those comments intrigue me because they were so many people who lost their lives on this tragedy and yet a woman mention that Sept 11 was for a good cause just because she hates fags.
ReplyDeleteby Reginald Belizaire
Many times our right of freedom of speech is taken out of hand. Many of us believe that with that right, we can do pretty much anything and get away with it. Yes, we as a citizen of the United States do have the right to our own opinion; to freely express what we think is right. However, when you disagree with our laws, amendments and you decide to hurt someone, you abuse that right. There are countless ways for you to fight for what you think is right, in a respectful way. For example, just last week six lives were lost; including those of a judge and a nine year old girl. The young man was enraged over a ruthless statement and misunderstanding with the congress woman. Under these circumstances, different actions should have taken place. He could have written a letter to this congress woman expressing his opposing outlook. As for a flag showing a rifle stating “come and take it”, what does this state? That violence is the only answer? Wrong. At the end of day everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but what is too much for freedom of speech?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteFreedom of expression! It’s written in the American constitution that “the congress shall make no law (…) prohibiting the freedom of religion, press and speech” to any American citizen. However; what people don’t understand is the difference between expressing yourself and offending others. The United States of America is one of the most diversity countries in the world. People from different culture, from different nations and with different skin-color live here. People with different sexual orientation, political points of view and religion share the same country. Nevertheless, the human being has not been prepared to respect this diversity. I’m not even saying “accept” or “understand” others. You don’t need to accept something; you just need to RESPECT it. People hate when someone - or something - is different from them. If I am American and you are immigrant, I hate you. If I am white and you are black, I hate you. If I am straight and you are homosexual, I hate you as well. If I am republican and you are democratic, I hate you. People have become selfish and unable to think collectively in order to make the world a better place to live. Ethics, morality, etiquette are just concepts in a piece of paper and there is no law able to change it if the human beings’ brain doesn’t want to.
ReplyDeleteWhen you hear the phrase “Freedom of Speech,” the first thing that comes to mind is probably controversy. Based on this article about the shooting in Arizona, it seems many people rely too much on that phrase as some sort of a protection for the things they say or even signs they make. Given, the worst thing a human being could possibly do is take another human beings life. Gifford’s shooting was clearly an act of disgust and hate which unfortunately caused the lives of 6 people including a judge and a 9 year old girl. In my opinion he should be given the capital punishment. On the other hand, people should also educate themselves on how powerful words can be. Overall, freedom of speech is without a doubt used in our everyday lives and if you really take a second and think about it, how would most people get a message across to other people. Or how would the president of the United States give his or her speech effectively with strong points and so on and so forth. It’s become second nature to almost everyone indeed, but unfortunately it’s also caused the lives of many people throughout the years.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately we have many ignorant people in this world that do not know how to respect others actions or opinions. A simple example are parents with children. Some are open to their child's mistakes and talk it through with them and let them grow. While others will ground their children for life and beat them for living their lives. Freedom of speech is a basic right that has been given to citizens of these United States. However rights like privileges are often taken advantage of. Back to the child example; a child may have the privilege of staying out till 11pm but they often take advantage of that and start asking for more time or stay out of the house till 11pm and come strolling in a few minutes later. People much like children want to be able to roam freely and do or say as they please without taking others feelings into consideration. That is where the issues come in to play. We as a people need to be conscious of our surroundings and what we say. Respect is a very powerful word that people often overlook. You have to respect others to gain respect in return. One may have the right to call someone out in the middle of class but is it really necessary? Do you really need to start cussing someone out because you do not like the way that person looks, speaks, acts or anything of the sort?
ReplyDeleteOf course we do not live in a perfect world being humans we are incapable of being perfect but we can at least act with decency. All these hate crimes and rowdy arguments against homosexuals are ridiculous. Nobody comes after you for being straight leave others alone. Live your life and let them live theirs. These church goers may think they are only doing God's work. If it is God's work then let God do it. If you follow a God who is pleased with the spilling of blood and approves of poisonous behavior you may need to consider finding a new God.
This issue is controversial and very diverse. Much can be said about hate speech and how it fits under amendment one. Or we can try to prove a point about the laws in Arizona and how many say it has become a Mecca for prejudice and bigotry. We can also try to figure out why this man decided to do this. Maybe the media was very influential in his life, or he was influenced by an atmosphere filled with hate and murderous rhetoric. People begin to point fingers at the leaders of the state, since the gun laws are very lenient. With laws come responsibility, there are “people smart enough to read between the lines” like Mill stated. The state shouldn’t be at fault for those people who distort and misinterpret laws. Amendment 1- Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. This is saying: you can express yourself without being put in jail; you can praise a God without being chased and killed for worshiping, or the right to make a complaint to, or seek their assistance. This does not give the right to express yourself in ways to hurt others. I believe Hate speech doesn’t mean that either, either way hate speech shouldn’t be allowed at all, I consider that wrong doing. I am a believer in God myself and I must say that Baptist church is wrong. God is love; if he not be love then he would not be God. Those words are incendiary, hate speech that may causes destruction.
ReplyDeleteBy: Quendra Gomez
I think it is great to live in a nation where i can freely express my
ReplyDeleteopinion but sometimes I think freedom of speech should have some
boundaries where it does not abuse, degrade, humiliate or physically
harm others. Actions can be demonstrated without displaying
violence,attack and provocation. Most of the information that we tune
receive is from the media. Depending on which station, newspaper or
channel you want to tune into, feeds your already preconceived ideas,
which reinforces the way you think things should be in terms of
politics, economics and so forth. For example the leader of the house
of representative upon the republicans getting the majority of the
house where his first comments were " we are going to redo
everything that Obama has done" never mind that the stimulus
package did work and the majority of Americans favor the health care
package; none of that matters in the rhetoric of dividesiveness. It is
the "us against them" mentality that Americans are fed up with. There
are those that believe freedom of speech is the cornerstone of civil
liberties meaning that no matter what you say or write and whatever
the consequences of the saying or writing, is second to the right of
freedom of speech.
Freedom of expression is the right that Americans have under the first amendment to express their thoughts and feelings openly to the public. I believe that due to its lack of limitations is the reason that tragic events like the shooting in Arizona have occurred. People take their freedom to the maximum level, for example the posters and the web publication made by the Westboro Baptist Church. Those types of expressions can easily manipulate a weak minded individual to actually think shootings are ok. It’s obvious that we the people don’t have the common sense to handle freedom of expression and be able to know our limits morally. Possibly our nation might work better if hate speech was prohibited like in most European countries. People would have to rethink their statements before expressing them on a speech, website, poster, ext. Limitations need to be made, hopefully in the near future.
ReplyDeletePolitical propaganda has an influence on the masses, but it is not so influential to the point where one would be persuaded and convinced to shoot a group of people. It is clear that after seeing Jared Lee Laughner’s photo and hearing his parent’s response to the media, that this man has psychotic issues. To the point where even his parents were in disbelief and shock. It was discussed in class that we Americans have sort of raised a society of lying, untrustworthy politicians, and even though we know these politicians are so, we would have it no other way. Chanting and cheering when they bash an opposing politician even though its lies. Nowadays it’s not about who the honest politician is, but who is the least conniving. Is freedom of speech the issue? If we place restrictions on freedom of speech then the term freedom of speech would be inaccurate. Politics would be even the more distrustful, politicians would commend opposing politicians and politics would be more peaceful, but vague. The issue is not how things are expressed but why those feelings that are expressed there. Does not letting politicians blatantly lie on each other stop them from disliking each other? Limit their expression and one would just quite there animosity towards each other. Thus creating a fake atmosphere of politics, having the masses feel like congress is a big happy family when in reality it’s rotten from the inside out. The problem has to be fixed from the root. Such as have a society that does not tolerate distrustful politicians, or an educational system that teaches honest and fairness and the basic principles of right and wrong in this capitalist government.
ReplyDeleteFreedom of expression is a legal right used to communicate not only of verbal speech, but any act of seeking ideas. Nowadays, people misunderstand the real meaning of freedom because of lack of limitation. They think they can say and do whatever they want because they have the right for that. However, everything you say or do have consequences, whether good or bad. As human being, we have to be careful of what we are saying or doing because what we've said or done can cause great impact in our lives.
ReplyDeleteAs we all know that the First Amendment support the Freedom of Speech and Expression; but however it is only supported if the moral standards are morally right and ethical and will not cause any harm the people of United Stated and the society. Furthermore the shooting that occurred in Arizona was morally wrong and unethical where a nine year old girl and a judge were injured. Nevertheless to my point of view this article is stating that its okay express ourselves the way that we want as long was we try to get the point across not caring in what way it will affect the other people and their believes. Freedom of speech should only be labeled legal is its moral standards are whiting the law and will not harm anyone in the process where a part can be satisfied and happy in the expense of another person discomfort.
ReplyDeleteIrdwinda Jean-Francois
Having Freedom of Speech is a great amendment to take advantage of when you want something to be done RIGHT not wrong. However, we obviously have different views on what’s right or wrong making Freedom of Speech a double edge tool for society. I think that people should think before they speak. Some people’s opinion may be right in their culture but that doesn’t mean it is right for everyone, like take for example the “God Hates Fags” group. Obviously this is a controversial topic that should be discussed without insulting anyone (actually any topic should be argued without belittling anyone). Freedom of speech passes the limit when it starts to hurt people (even if it’s just mentally and emotionally). I believe though that culture has a big affect on people’s opinion be it good or bad and I think the way we are raised sometimes is more than 50% responsible on how we express ourselves. Some people are not taught the different ways there are to express ourselves - respecting and not hurting anyone BUT getting your point across. The shooting in Arizona is an example on how innocent lives were taken by that young man without mere consideration of anything but his own “feelings.” I quote ‘feeling’ because I just think this young man was plain CRAZY. Additionally, I find interesting on how Hispanics were relieved when the shooter turned out to be a White American than a Hispanic, which personally I am also relieved. However, I bet if the shooter was Hispanic everyone would criticize and just assume it’s an immigrant problem, making more people believe that immigrants should just go back to their own country. Freedom of speech should be expressed when one has proof on how their opinion has more positive impact on the world.
ReplyDelete-Whitny Miranda
Rose Tania said,
ReplyDeleteIn America we enjoy a freedom that gives us the option to express our opinion without persecution. We are not limited to one frame of mind but to our own thought and ideas. When you look at the picture of the women holding the posters saying that GOD HATES FAGS, THANK GOD FOR SEPT.11. When you see something like that you cannot understand how someone can be so cruel as to say something so mean when on 9/11 so many people lost their life and you say that God did this.
As I illustrated above we enjoy a freedom that allows us the opportunity to express ourselves .I am from a country when in the 1900's the country was ruled by a dictator that if you spoke against the government you were shot on the spot.
I often ask myself if our freedom of speech is putting us in more danger. The shooting in Arizona shows us the negative ways that an individual choose to express themselves. The shooter instead of expressing himself in a safe manner went in and started shooting, he claimed the lives of seven innocent people that did not deserve to die. How many more must die before we realize that the line is too far.
Rose Tania Mainville
Everyone agree that we need Freedom of Speech in our country. But sometimes we don’t respect that Amendment instead we do bad stuff like killing innocent people who doesn’t deserve to die or saying bad things that are insult to others. I think what happened in Gifford’s' shooting ,it was a tragic because a little girl die because of that shooting. Nobody should express their anger or feelings by insulting or killing someone. There are so many ways that people can express such letters, or talking to other person that can help them. Sometimes the way we express to other can cause consequences so we have to be careful with what we say and do. Our country has lost respect to each other in the way that we express and act. We need to learn that not everyone has the same thoughts but we can solve that not with guns neither with bad words or bad actions just by expressing with good manners.
ReplyDelete- Yary Ortiz!
It is a great thing to be able to express all thoughts and ideas yet like little kids when you don’t put boundaries then they grow up to know there are no boundaries. The Unites States is one of the greats countries for giving their citizen what they need and don’t and for offering them freedom. When it comes to freedom people are the one to set their own limits, for example some people can talk about whatever they want in order to express themselves and some others take it to the extreme and take action upon their thoughts. I do praise the amendment that gives us freedom of speech, but I also think that to this freedom boundaries should be set. Due to the fact that man thinks that the power lies in their hands most of time, then the idea can be taken literal. Like in the case of the shooting; there are many ways of expression, and the constitution does not restrict that. In many cases people say things that may be right to them, but the way they put it in words may offend other people who have the right to negate, and there is where disrespect comes in. if we are such a respected country why can’t we apply the same concept towards the citizens and give ourselves the right to be respected. Lets apply the concept and respect one another, but of course not everyone thinks and acts the same. In cases like this people take action in different manners to defend in what they believe, because they have the freedom to do so. One single word is capable of saying a lot because of course there is the denotation and connotation and it depends on the person who reads it to give meaning to the word. It is true that “with freedom comes great responsibility”, yet no everyone can take such responsibilities in their hand not because they may not want to, but because there are other impairments. The media has been informing that the person to blame for the shooting wasn’t mentally stable meaning that such responsibility cannot be given to such individuals. With this being said I do think that it is a great thing to being able to express thought referring to many topics and concepts yet there should be restrictions to such in order to settling some sort of structure. Freedom of speech does not give you the freedom to take innocents life. Yet speech can be dangerous when it fall under a powerful mouth who can say a lot without talking much, and everyone takes a different stand when it comes to expressing themselves.
ReplyDeleteI believe that there is no such thing as being perfect, but I do believe that we all have the right to express ourselves. However, celebrities and public figures do have to have a higher responsibility on watching the way they express themselves. Freedom of speech doesn’t mean to take advantage and take someone’s live. I seriously think this person has no heart for taking their lives away. Especially the nine year old girl. It is not fair for them and their families, but who said life is fair. For instance, I think that “freedom of speech” should be limited because it has caused a lot of incidents; the verbally and written way we express how we feel and what we think should be limited. Hopefully this limitation takes action in the near future.
ReplyDeleteThe shooting in Arizona is such a diverse and controversial issue in many ways. The endless probabilities of such causes can’t be exactly known Starting of by Amendment 1; freedom of speech and expression. The right to freedom of expression can be described as a war, a never endless battle between right and wrong as well as morally and ethically. In this war there are many battles between freedom of speech and laws limiting that freedom; more specifically the ability to spread hate propaganda and the "hate laws".
ReplyDeleteI strongly believe our freedom of expression should be respected, of course only if it’s done right and harmless. The issue does not stop here, Arizona eased gun restrictions last year when it passed a law allowing residents 21 and older to conceal and carry a weapon without a permit. The liberalism and lenient laws of Arizona towards gun restrictions can have lead to be an enormous cause of the shooting.
--Lydia Sanchez
I disagree with the Arizona law that people are allowed to carry conceal weapons around without a permit because we can’t be trusted. People tend take advantage of any type of little freedom we can get. We have to realize everybody has a different conscience meaning people would look at things the way they want to see it. “1st Amendment” you don’t know how people would act on the laws that are given. I believe it was wrong for one man to kill innocent people just because he was trying to prove a point or make a statement. He might have took the 1st Amendment to seriously and acted upon it. Just because there are laws that allow you to do certain things doesn’t mean they should be taken advantage of. Like owning a gun at home for protection doesn’t mean you would go and shoot people just they are delivering newspaper or mail. You have to understand right and wrong.
ReplyDeleteWhile freedom of speech may be important so that every person could identify themselves as an individual to society. Sometimes before expressing ourselves we should stop and think about the consequences of the actions and means we choose to use to do so. We can't possibly think that just becasue we don't agree with someone we have the right, moral or justifyable to go on a killing spree. Prohibiting hate speech may limit to some point the idea of free expression, but unfortunately there are some people that can't seem to understand where the line is between their rights and others; therefore in some cases I would agree with it. I feel bad for people like Jared Lee who take the cowardly way out and decide to kill people innocents included. Death is never the right choice, there's always something we can do to get our point accross without having to go that far. We could all start pointing fingers and blame one person or another and while I don't agree with some of the ways in which politics are presented to us as the public but we all take the message however we want and if there's anyone to blame for such a horrendous act, is in fact only one person. The one carelessly pulling the trigger.
ReplyDeleteErnesto Castro.
The way the constitution was written I believe for it to last all these years as the law of our land is amazing. Something written so many years to rule a country always evolving and changing has something to say about the caliber of the writers . Of course with a few changes being made to it by our amendments. The first amendment and how law makers tend to interpret what is covered under it makes sense. You are covered as long as your not infringing upon another person rights
ReplyDeleteThe shooting in Arizona by no means to me was something that had a great political agenda behind it. From my point of view it seems to be a man who had finally unraveled . Also from interviews with people who knew him he had gone through a personality transformation. He didn't seem the same and was a different person than before. Someone who is able to commit such a thing one has to wonder if mentally he is all there.
--Eduardo (eddy) Cruz
Freedom of speech is a right that no one should be denied. This right gives us the opportunity to speak our minds freely without being censored. Even though I strongly believe that one should have the freedom to express themselves; I also believe that one person’s rights end where the other person’s rights begin. Just like we have this right, we have the right to feel safe and not be harassed. An individual should be able to walk down the street and not be bothered no matter what sexuality, color, etc. The freedom of speech goes both ways, just because we don’t agree we shouldn’t try to force our views on others. Freedom of speech doesn’t grant us the right to do that. There’s some things people do that are against my values and beliefs but that does not give me the right to target my hatred towards them and put their safety in danger. People often don’t think about the consequences of their actions and the effects they will have on other people’s lives.
ReplyDelete-Nicole Encalada
Being able to express ones opinion in this country is a Right. In other countries is would be considered an offense and more than a privilege. In this case the gunman expressed himself greatly to show just how upset he might have been. But that doesn't make it right of course to go around firing off to express feelings. Some have an extreme and direct approach towards expressing an idea, opinion or situation. This ends up resulting in a majority of the viewers more discarded towards the image it portrays vs the point its meant to display.
ReplyDeleteWith the Westboro Baptist Church's opinion towards this terrible event, I find it to be completely ridiculous. If they can display their opinion in such a manner then my own will be fine to say that they have an extremist view towards their beliefs.”Thank God for Sept 11th”?... That is ridiculous. Other Christians would look down upon such remarks.
Andrae Williams
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ReplyDeleteAnyone has the right to stand up to what they believe, anyone had the right of freedom of speech and that comes with negative feelings or positive feelings, anyone has the right to say mean things and hurtful things about anyone or any political matter even though it might be wrong.. they have the right to do so because of freedom of speech. But freedom of speech does NOT give anyone the right to kill innocent individuals under an circumstances. Freedom of speech does not mean freedom of act. The shooting of Arizona is truely a tragety and its ashamed that things have to happen this way but thats how the worlds works sadly.. not everyone agrees on the same ideas and some people cannot control their anger, wether is someone with a mental illess or not.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing that truly upsets me is the poster of the lady saying "god hates fags" i mean that is the most saddest thing i have seen.. as if homosexuals werent just like us- Humans. In a perfect word everyone would keep their opinions to themselves, everyone would be in peace and quiet unfortunately that will never happen and we are always going to have people who have no ethics and no morals.
Ellen Ortiz