01-15-2022, 12:49 AM
(01-14-2022, 01:40 PM)tomh009 Wrote:(01-14-2022, 01:12 PM)jeffster Wrote: As for weak-minded anti-vaxxers who get their information from FaceBook and radio talk shows -- that blame goes directly to the government and (social)media for allowing that shit in the first place.
Freedom of speech is one of our fundamental freedoms. As Evelyn Hall said, "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
We do have "Freedom of Speech" -- but that speech is limited. For example, someone promoting hate towards Jews, Muslims, minorities, LGBT+, etc, wouldn't be found on the radio. Same would apply social media, for example, with people encouraging suicide (this is a felony/indictable offence) for example.
We have a lot of leniency with what we can say, but it is, as it should be, limited when it comes to things like public safety and misinformation, especially if it can impact election results (see USA) and government policy.
Freedom of Speech (or expression) allows us, for example, at this forum, to have lively discussions. Yet at the same time, it also gives the right to the owner of this site, or a moderator such as yourself, to censor, redact or delete dangerous and damaging content.
Luckily this site isn't cesspool of idiots like what you might find on FaceBook, Reddit or alternative site. We have disagreements, opinions, and agreements on things, but for the most part, it OK.
Mainstream media, be it radio, social media, papers, etc., have a responsibility to uphold certain standards to ensure their listeners/viewers are being given accurate and true content. But it's missing right now. And that's a problem.