jenfly00 0 #1 June 28, 2005 First, at Remster's request, I've removed the sig: "America isn't easy. America is advanced citizenship. You've got to want it bad, because it's gonna put up a fight. It's gonna say, "You want free speech? Let's see you acknowledge a man whose words make your blood boil who is standing center stage and advocating at the top of his lungs that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the top of yours. You want to claim this land as the 'land of the free'? Then the symbol of your country cannot just be a flag. The symbol also has to be one of its citizens exercising his right to burn that flag in protest. Now show me that, defend that, celebrate that in your classrooms. Then you can stand up and sing about the 'land of the free.'" -President Andrew Shepherd in 'The American President' He sent me a link to the rules and, as the sig goes to all forums, I agree I am in violation of the rules. Second, I am most gratified to read responses from Americans who love this country and support free speech even when it is something they strongly disagree with. To read strong disagreement with my flag burning, yet support my right to do so ...well, that's what constitutionally protected speech is all about. Third, I learned the difference between public and private (or real) personnas when I read a reasonable, rational public disagreement with my post, then seconds later receive a PM from the same person, calling me names and ending with "Be Safe. Take Care." (No, it was neither Rhino or Lisa). Fourth, I realize a problem that those of us who support the Bill of Rights have. We accept and support those who would express their views in a manner of their choosing (with some limitations). Those who do not, will work hard to silence our voices. Kinda like the quote from Lisa, I'm against them, I just have no way of showing it. Well, I tried to show my disagreement with calls to violence against American citizens for a symbolic protest ...and look what happened. As I responded to Michelle, I considered my posts to be a form of protest with an ironic sense of humor, to help raise awareness that we cannot protect our great nation by defiling the freedoms it is founded upon. If that single message was understood, I'm satisified, despite all the attendant silliness. To each and every one of you who expressed yourself in SC, I disagree with some of you, am heartened by the responses of others and will support all of you in your right to express your beliefs. Peace (hopefully). jen----------------------- "O brave new world that has such people in it". Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hackb431 0 #2 June 28, 2005 When it's all said and the day ends in America people who vastly different views will go to sleep. Guess what when they wake up, they wake up as Americans and get ready to start another day in a life blessed with freedoms that so many sould around the world will never know. Even though I think you (jen) are out there I am glad you are making your voice heard. Right or wrong is merely a matter of popular opinion but speak up and be heard. In the immortal words from Hard Dick Harry "Talk Hard"HackB A.K.A. "Puppy" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rebecca 0 #3 June 28, 2005 Um, that would be Hard Harry Hard-on. you've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel loquacious?' -- well do you, punk? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #4 June 28, 2005 QuoteAs I responded to Michelle, I considered my posts to be a form of protest with an ironic sense of humor, to help raise awareness that we cannot protect our great nation by defiling the freedoms it is founded upon. That message came through loud and clear; and while I didn't agree with the "ironic humor" part, it's all good...that's what life's about. QuoteI learned the difference between public and private (or real) personnas when I read a reasonable, rational public disagreement with my post, then seconds later receive a PM from the same person, calling me names and ending with "Be Safe. Take Care." (No, it was neither Rhino or Lisa). Aren't those the most telling? Those nasty grams which reveal the true person - or at least, part of the true person - that is not shown on these boards. I've received several in my time, and have discovered the most glorious feature of pm blocking. (And no, it wasn't me, either....). Good post, Jen. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyingferret 0 #5 June 28, 2005 I have not been engaged in the drama lately, so my post might be totally superfluous. Take with salt. I have always thought one of the most ironic things out there is people who vehemently demand free speech getting bent when people disagree with them. This has happened numerous times including the whole nastiness with the Dixie Chicks. Free speech has consequences. People responding do your viewpoint is not the same as demanding you silence it. The very right that allows you to say it, allows another person to counter it. Countering is not censorship. Censorship would prevent you from saying it. And really if there is not some strong counter rhetoric, was it really much of a free speech exercise? I think all the poeple running around saying, "Don't criticize me I am practicing free speech" need to read a little bit about it. Again, this is a totally random post, not directed at anyone or any event relating to the author, just thought it might fit in the discussion.-- All the flaming and trolls of wreck dot with a pretty GUI. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hackb431 0 #6 June 28, 2005 What the duece? I do believe you are correct. Damn I need to go watch that movie again. Thanks for the correction but glad to see you know where I was coming from with that one!HackB A.K.A. "Puppy" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
