Freedom of Speech for Dummies

There is this common misconception that our right of Freedom of Speech means that you can say whatever you want without getting into trouble. The truth is, you can get in a whole heap of trouble for anything you say. You just can't go to jail. Let me elaborate, again.I've talked about this before when Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson got in some hot water for his comments about homosexuality. The show was suspended, he lost sponsors, blah blah blah, and we've all forgotten about it. Apparently I need to bring it up again. Phil's rights were 100% protected by his freedom of speech even though his show was suspended and he lost out on money, etc. Freedom of Speech protects you from being arrested for what you say and imprisoned by the government. He never was.

Another thing I see on Facebook, (and why I'm writing this now) is people will say something that someone may not agree with, then act like a martyr. For example, you say something stupid or offensive, get called out on it, and then rant something like, "Apparently speaking your mind is a CRIME, and some people take offense to it!"

"I guess we are not allowed (actually they spelled it aloud) to speak our minds anymore!"

Yes you are allowed to speak your mind. And we are allowed to speak our minds back to you. It's that simple. You don't get a mulligan on what you say. We are allowed to judge you however we want. It's a two way street.

So for the love of freedom of speech, quit using it as an excuse for your choice of words.