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Meggers and Pubilus - freedom of speech
I saw your responses on the post on PC&E about the UK woman that may face jail time for her racist rant on the tube, and I thought that the differences in your responses were interesting as one of you is American and one is Canadian.
It reminded me of that whole thing about Ann Coulter when she was due to give a talk at a University in Ontario but was warned about promoting hate through speech - so she got all upset and pulled out or something.
I don't know where I'm going with this. Anyway, I don't feel that she should face jail time for her actions, as 1. I don't feel that her actions, although they were certainly offensive, cause her to be a danger to society that we need to be sheltered from, 2. I don't think it would be a particularly safe option for her, given the demographic of her potential fellow inmates and their knowledge of her racist sentiments and 3. I'd hate to get drunk, make a horrible mistake and be taken from my children for a crime that isn't really all that cut and dry.
However, I do think that what she has done is considerable to having committed a crime, and that she should be ordered to do community service and undergo some sort of counselling and/or diversity workshops, etc.
As a Canadian I'm all for freedom of speech, but not the promotion of hate, and I think that needs to be addressed in this case.
I just found it really interesting.
Chronically hilarious - you'll split your stitches!
I wrote a book! Bucket list CHECK!
Re: Meggers and Pubilus - freedom of speech
I'm very much of the opinion that your right to swing your fists ends where my face begins. She can express her views and exercise her freedom as much she wants, until her speech begins to infringe on my rights.
It's not that I necessarily think she belongs in jail, but I wouldn't mind if she went. In particular, the article mentions that this is not her first offence of this nature. This can't be written off as a one time thing.
I also think that if this woman was all up in my face spouting hatred at me, that it should be considered assault and that I should be able to defend myself as I see fit (especially if on the tube where I can't simply walk away). I don't think violence is the answer, but I wouldn't mind socking this chick.
FTR, I didn't watch the video. If she made anyone on the train legitimately fear as if they were in imminent danger, sure that's assault. But if her actions actually meet the statutory definition of assault, why not actually treat it as assault?
Given that the charge is purely for speech and not for assault (at least according to the article), I'm not sure where the "your rights end where mine begin" argument comes in here actually. It's not like anyone has a clear cut right to a peaceful tube ride. I don't think it's a government's job to be the disciplinarian when it comes to its citizens having no manners and being disrespectful.
I suppose I lump "hate speech" into the same category as Holocaust deniers. Do I think that such people are flucking idiots who are physically and/or mentally incapable of recognizing and compartmentalizing historical data? Absolutely. I also assume that they are looney toons. But that doesn't mean that I think you should cart them off to jail for shouting their incredibly asinine opinion from the rooftops.
I suppose I should just sum it up by saying that I greatly dislike the idea of policing people's thoughts and speech.
ETA: I just reread my post and realized it can sound a bit snarky. I don't mean it that way at all. I'm not particularly good at wording things at 6:30 in the morning prior to my first cup of coffee.