take note, those who are hiding behind screen names to hurt others

[FYI]

Well well, looks like the tables may be finally turning and the law going to protect people from internet trolls. Take note, this is a story that is in the newspapers today.
http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local-beat/Pwn...

[Ex Maldenite]

This is a quote from that article that I strongly disagree with.

"Stone and her attorneys have both expressed their firm belief in protecting the freedom of speech, but that freedom is reserved for political and religious beliefs, not personal attacks on minors"

Freedom of speech is a Constitutionaly gauranteed freedom that extends to every aspect of conversation not just political and religious beliefs. With the exception of libel and slander, a person is free to say whatever they wish regardless of who it upsets, or who disagrees with it. I'm not sure who actually said this originally, but I feel it is very poignant to this topic.

"With the first link, a chain is forged. The first speech censured, the first thought forbidden, the first freedom denied, chains us all irrevocably. The first time any man's freedom is trodden on, we are all damaged."

[FYI]

Ex Maldenite wrote:

This is a quote from that article that I strongly disagree with.
"Stone and her attorneys have both expressed their firm belief in protecting the freedom of speech, but that freedom is reserved for political and religious beliefs, not personal attacks on minors"
Freedom of speech is a Constitutionaly gauranteed freedom that extends to every aspect of conversation not just political and religious beliefs. With the exception of libel and slander, a person is free to say whatever they wish regardless of who it upsets, or who disagrees with it. I'm not sure who actually said this originally, but I feel it is very poignant to this topic.
"With the first link, a chain is forged. The first speech censured, the first thought forbidden, the first freedom denied, chains us all irrevocably. The first time any man's freedom is trodden on, we are all damaged."

While I agree with the basic idea of your comment , freedom of speech, I do not agree with someone using that freedom to do harm to another persons marriage, livelyhood or character. Freedom of speech is all good if it is true, what needs to stop is the posting of lies that are ruining peoples lives, and leading young kids to killing themselves.

[Ex Maldenite]

FYI wrote:

<quoted text> While I agree with the basic idea of your comment , freedom of speech, I do not agree with someone using that freedom to do harm to another persons marriage, livelyhood or character. Freedom of speech is all good if it is true, what needs to stop is the posting of lies that are ruining peoples lives, and leading young kids to killing themselves.

My comment says, "With the exception of libel or slander", which is exactly what you are describing. However when the comment is true, even if it is something that may harm the other party, it becomes a question of morality not legality. Legislating morality translates into robbing a particular group or individual of some freedom, and that is a very slippery slope. Once one freedom is denied in the name of morality, it becomes that much easier for the next freedom to be denied. I agree with you people should not get on Topix and try to destroy their neighbors reputation or marriage, but (with the exception of libel and slander) it should not be an issue dealt with by the courts either.

[fisherman]

bttt

[THE LAW]

You should also be aware courts have ruled public officals are more open criticism than ordinary citizens. Read about it in the laws.

[THE LAW]

More open "to" criticism.

[fisherman]

THE LAW wrote:

More open "to" criticism.

Criticism is one thing. Slander and libel are quite another. I only bumped this thread so some of those doing so might see and read the link. I have no dog in the fight, just watching from the sideline, and thinking some folks might want to watch what they post, that's all.

[aok]

interesting

[THE LAW]

You bumped this thread with the goal of scaring people away.

[fisherman]

THE LAW wrote:

You bumped this thread with the goal of scaring people away.

Not at all. Only to make some think before they type.