Why does the first amendment protect hate speech?

slew

And who would judge if it is a hate speech? If you watch this site, people would merely call a statement racist just to silence the opinion of people with opossing views. there are so many grey areas. I have been called racist because I stated females deserve equal rights. They claim it was racist because I was being incensitive to other cultures like Hispanics and Muslims. where are you going to draw the line.

Secondly if we are to fight racism we need to understand it. I get fustrated that people violate racist on this site. I would like to understand how they think. If I understand it, I might be able to convince them otherwise or make good counter arguement to prevent the racist from recruiting others.

Silencing hate groups won't make them disappear. If they are allowed to make speeches, we are aware of them and less likely be surpised by their action.

Mercer Devil

Fairness. If you ban hate speech, then you have a slippery slope of what constitutes hate speech. Eventually, there will be no freedom of speech. If there is to be freedom of speech, you have to willing to allow those with opinions you hate to have a voice as well. Otherwise, you are a hypocrite.

Student

besause i have the right to form my own opinion and voice it openly..

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( I hate Americans that want so much change in the world but wont join the military and serve for their country)

( I hate Americans that feel comfortable sitting in their web-cafes drinking their 25 dollar coffee, complaining about the way this country is run, but wont get up and do anything about it )

( I hate ANY American that takes their Liberties for granted, while myslef, my 2 sons and the United States Military are out fighting to protect those same liberties )

not just rainbows & butterflies

Because you should be free to express your opinion, good or bad. It is not and should not be illegal to offend people. People have different opinions and are free to express them; that's what freedom is all about.

schazjmd

If we permit a type of speech that we find repugnant to be disallowed under the first amendment, then there is no freedom of speech -- only permitted speech and forbidden speech. And the forbidden speech category will rapidly grow...

nuckfut25

because to deny even a foul message the right to be heard, is to deny the right altogether. you are constitutionally allowed to be whomever you choose to be and to speak your dissent in a civil manner. even if the message is not so civil.

Jay

It would be pretty difficult to regulate hate speech. At what point does it BECOME hate speech and who gets to decide.

Also, i'm not sure the founding fathers ever anticipated that such a large section of the population would become "haters".

But it's one of the rights provided by a "free country", and seperates us from countries where people who disagree with the regime in power find themselves in prison.

For example, I would probably be doing life for what i've said about the current adminsitration...

Erebus

Hate speech is still speech. Besides, if the first amendment was specific like that, the context would be contorted so that it was used by the government's benefit. i.e. speech against the war could be viewed as hate against the government and could be stopped. I mean this could essentially create a totalitarian government.

Although, as exemplified in the case Schenck v. US, free speech can be legally restricted if it presents a "clear and present danger." Now in what sense the Supreme Court meant this is up to debate, but I am sure more than a handful have been lost to Guantanamo because of this "clear and present danger" standard, which negates my whole argument for why hate speech is allowed. Oh well, I tried...

alaskamusher2

Because "hate" speech is only opion speech that bothers you. And it is not up to you or me to decide what opinion is appropriate or not.

sambucca

because it is "free"

look at the answer from "alienfiend"

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Av5VMKCYY9JrEt7Rcmcwc_bsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20080203220032AAfU9Zw
drives me nuts

wichitaor1

"Free speech is a restraint on the government, not an incitement for the citizens." -Dean Acheson

Freedom of speech means that a person is free to express themselves, but there are some things better left unsaid. If you have nothing positive to say, why bothering to say anything?

Belle

Because free speech is free speech. Who is to say what hate speech is? No one forces you to listen.

Boomer

Excellent question. It is because of our separation from England where people could not speak outwardly against the Monarch or the Church. The founders of the Constitution never envisioned that in our times people would go to such extremes. We have people that intrude on military funerals because they think that if gay people are in the military that they have that right, even if the fallen soldier was not gay. That is true hate and a lack of common respect.

That may be subject to change. Congress is addressing this issue (slowly as they do), but realize the problem. They do have the power to amend the document to prohibit certain things or to allow others. If a demonstration covered under "Free speech" either violates another's rights or causes public harm, it can be ruled against the law by virtue of public safety.

Currently, websites are being shut down for explaining how to make bombs and if one were to publicly speak about this, they would be subject to arrest under DHS laws.

So, we are slowly amending that amendment by public outcry. If the majority of the people want to limit such "Free Speech" and do so by a majority vote, it will be enacted into law. Write you Congressmen or women and let them know how you feel. Only by our involvement in our government will anything change. Some things should just not be said.

I Like Ike

I guess because speech, even hate speech, is just that, speech. But if the speech is ordering people to do violence, then it goes beyond hate speech and would not be allowed.

raven7night

Because if I can't voice my opinion of Bush being a freaking IDIOT, then I do not live in a free country.

If I cannot express my own opinions, then my opinion is not mine, but of the governments - as they would have control over everything I am allowed to say.

Silly World

Try saying the Holocaust didn't happen a few times and see how free you are

LeighAnn D

Freedom of speech??

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