Free Speech Has a Cost, and a Responsibility
by Free speech carries the attendant “cost” of claiming ownership of your speech, and taking responsibility for the consequences.
While the court decision is Pending, my hope is that the poster’s identity will be revealed. I feel that Anonymous posting offers the opportunity for free speech to be used in “evil pursuit,” at least as far as potential harm to people is concerned. The American system of justice must protect Speech of all types, be it whistle blower evidencing government, corporate or Citizen misdeed., or Citizens expressing Opinion of politicians, institution, or commerce.
The need for and right to Anonymity stops at the point where untruth, defamation, or other damage occurs, giving civil right to those harmed to pursue civil damages, as prescribed by law. Whether in actuality untruth is claimed, harm is caused, monetary damages are justified, al all to resolved in a Civil Court, and rightly so.
“Juries can most easily determine the fairness of a thing, and the rightful outcome.”
In essence, we must take responsibility for our speech, and be protected in the Right to present speech. Our responsibility extends to accepting the consequences for our actions, when necessary.
“There is little Truth in perception or in subjectivity; Truth reveals itself in the examination of the facts.”
“If you must speak, declare publicly, be known for your portrayal, be confident in your righteousness. Let those who disagree debate publicly as well, with vigor and similar righteousness. Let the public decide the right of it all.”
The Constitution provides for the protection of Speech, and provides for the responsibility of Government to vigorously, energetically, and constantly be alert for the need to protect Speech, both it’s Right, and Responsibilities.
It’s one thing to opine that a politician reminds you of a Groundhog, only sticking his head up to see what the weather is like; it’s another to suggest Anonymously that he collects bribes for constructing the burrow. In the first instance satirical humor is offered, in the second, a claim of criminal conduct requires the identification of the poster if the politician claims damages, AND if the poster is the only Proof of the claim.
Similarly, it’s one thing to Anonymously claim that a MySpace Friend really isn’t, didlles your boys and girls, has HIV, or others claims which are false, and defamatory. The Accused must be able to confront the Accuser, and our system of justice demands an avenue of redress; I suggest must even assist in the pursuit of redress, such responsibility inherent in providing a Guaranteed right of Free Speech.
The Constitution provides for the right of the Accused to confront their Accuser. The government, at the instance of prosecution, even discovery, acquires the absolute responsibility to protect the accuser.
In this country let no man be afraid to stake his claim to opportunity, nor be afraid of declaring the same; let no auspice of government interfere, but protect equally.
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