US Constitution: 1st Amendment

[Apocalipstic]

Originally Posted by Linus

I wanted to find out from others, particularly Americans, the definition of "free speech". I often see (mostly in forums) people crying out how their freedom of speech is being violated when some mod or someone else "thumps" (for lack of a better word) them in conversation. While I love hearing others opinions, I recognize that "free speech", as per the Constitution, is about the gov't silencing someone and not a private forum.

From the US Constitution:



What puzzles me is how this was translated for the Internet and meant that one could talk about anything. Granted, the original inception of the 'Net was to share information (originally scientific and then into various star trek newsgroups like alt.wesley.crusher.die.die.die), I'm not sure it was meant to be so open as to let anything go.

Opinions? Thoughts?



(I've put this thread here for now but recognize it can/could get heated. I put it here in hopes that those who don't like the Red Zone will also comment but if it gets too heated, it may be moved to there).

I think people use the First Amendment as an excuse for bad behavior.

I also think most people have non idea how the Internet works and do not get that individual privately held websites can make whatever rules they want.

They think typing something on someone's website is the same as saying whatever they want in their own living room, and it is not.

PS, you mean the US right? Canadians are Americans too.