Freedom of Speech?

It is always better to say right out what you think without trying to prove anything much: for all our proofs are only variations of our opinions, and the contrary-minded listen neither to one nor the other."~~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe


Are we or are we not entitled to our own opinions and Freedom of Speech and a right to protest publicly about what we either agree or disagree with?

I sent my argumentative friend this picture, which maybe I shouldn't have given his current attitude towards me:

http://freecycle.raches-photos.co.uk/dc-freddieprotest.jpg

This picture was taken as a joke during my recent US holiday. The yellow thing in question is my travel mascot, who goes everywhere with me as a good luck kind of thing. He also engaged in a peaceful protest outside the White House as you can see. Thousands of people in the past have stood on Pennsylvania Avenue doing exactly the same thing and waving much more offensive placards. Witness the Inauguration Parade protests for example!!!

So this was his reply:

Miss Smith;

Sophomoric stunts hardly qualify as exchanging opinions and ideas.

I assumed that as an adult such adolescent activity was left in your past. So excuse me for expecting properly raised adults {especially ladies} to exercise good taste and discretion, especially while a guest in a foreign country.

Obviously I was mistaken.

Regards;

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To which I have replied:

"Whatever happened to freedom of speech?

If you came over to the UK and exhibited your opinion on our Queen or Blair, then you would be perfectly within your rights to do so. People who saw you may object or be offended, or agree with you, but ultimately you have a right to express your opinion, whatever it may be. Just like the Muslims in Trafalgar Square getting upset about the cartoons, or some hippies protesting about the building of a new airport, or the foxhunting protestors. Or 2 million people walking the streets of London objecting to the Iraq war. They have a right to protest and a right to freedom of opinion and expression.

If any of your other friends disagree with your views do you cut them dead too? Life's too short to ruin friendships over differences in opinion. You can say what you like about Blair or our Royal Family or the way Britain is run, and I will either agree or disagree but ultimately I have to accept that it is YOUR opinion, and let it lie. But I only cut off friendships if the slaggings get very personal towards myself or my family. Politics will never be agreed upon by anyone, and I for one will be keeping my opinions to myself in the future, it's not worth the hassle."

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I just don't get his anger at the fact I dared express my opinions, which happened to be the opposite of his. If you think you're not going to like what you hear then don't bloody bother to ask!!!

He also says in another email where I questioned him on the PNAC:

"Good Morning Rache;

The PNAC? Oh, come on. You are getting worked up over the PNAC?!

Organizations touting similar ideals have been in existence in the US going back to the early late 1700's. The PNAC is merely a modern day version of the Federalists. In fact when it comes to their mission statement, Presidents from Jefferson to Wilson would have applauded it.

From what I can see it looks like continental Europe could use a generous dose of what the PNAC is advocating.....free market capitalism, competition, private enterprise and limited government.

Looking at the economic conditions of Germany and France {and the current riots in Paris} how can you have a problem with that? God forbid that the US ever fashion itself after a European style welfare state. Hopefully there is still time and still enough clear thinking citizens of Britain to banish all vestiges of Socialism from its shores. As I see it the beat thing you can do is get the hell out of the EU. The only thing that membership in the EU will do for Britain is drive it into the ground economically and weaken your national modernity. Get out while the getting is good.

Sadly many Americans have bought into the siren song of government sponsored welfare. Consequently they are exhibiting the same attitude that the French rioters have, i.e. "I am entitled to a job, I am entitled to health care, etc, etc, etc" This only serves to promote laziness and dependency. Three generations of Socialism will do that to a nation.

Strange that you seem to fear the ideas of the PNAC more than you fear the ultimate goal of Osma Bin Laden. He is on public record as saying the goal of radical Islam is to restore the ancient Islamic Empire. Now that is something to fear!!"

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I found it interesting that he mentioned Bin Laden, who seems to have dropped off the radar where GWB is concerned.