I got into a discussion with a co-worker today about the events surrounding the attack on the American Consulate in Libya. At the time the belief was that this was a result of a anti Muslim video - something now that appears not to be the case.
My friend's position was that the production of the video was an example of freedom of speech and we should defend that freedom. People, according to my friend, should be allowed to say anything anytime and not have to worry about "hurting some one's feelings". Now, I am not one to deny anyone their constitutional rights - the Second Amendment not withstanding - but I have to draw the line here. Everyone knows that freedom of speech does not mean that you can shout "fire" in a crowded movie theater. I see this as much the same thing. By now we know that things of this nature can stir anti-American, sometimes violent, reactions from Muslim fundamentalists. We know this. We know because Salman Rushdie was targeted for assassination after publication of his book "The Satanic Verses". When Florida Dove World Outreach Center pastor Terry Jones' planned "International Burn a Koran Day" American General David Patraeus said, "It could endanger troops on the ground and could endanger the overall effort in Afghanistan."
We know this is a bad idea. Free speech? Sure. But free speech must be tempered with common sense and consideration for what the result of that speech is going to do. When those kids bullied the bus monitor wasn't that freedom of speech? Yet those kids were roundly criticized and held to account - as we expect all bullies to be - for their actions. I'm all for free speech, but if you know someone could die because of what you say do you stand on your "Free Speech" soapbox and say it just to make a point?
I think not.
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