On The Other Hand

I was one of the people commenting on Neil’s Facebook link to the column that German law, and as Steve notes, the laws of many other developed nations, puts limits on free speech. Unlike the U.S. “clear and present danger” test, these laws restrict political speech that would not reasonably be thought to pose such a danger. You can’t, for instance, spray-paint a swastika on a wall, even if you own that wall. My objection to such laws is the same as my objection to cross-burning laws. If you have something to say, and you’re not hurting anyone, I don’t trust the government to decide what is or isn’t acceptable political discourse. One could envision a law against people uttering “Jesus,” unless they were praying. Californians could pass a referendum prohibiting people from speaking Spanish (not likely, I know, but there was a time that could have happened). As for truly harmful behavior, there are other laws to control that, such as not lighting fires on others’ property (cross burning) or inciting riots or harassing or intimidating people.

Daer Stuart: Thanks so much for your always interesting comments. FYI: I happen to also post on Facebook, Twitter, Diggit, a few other places and get numerous personal e-mails on what I write. I"d be happy to have you follow me there as well.

I also am pleased that I have more people subscribing to my blog via feedburner (direct e-mail) than any other blog on our site. 

As always, may you have a joyous Shabbat.

I’m not sure I understand why readers of your column are concerned about the alleged “freedom of speech” issues implicated by his conviction.  Freedom of speech is an American Constitutional right, not a German one.  Other countries (most, in fact) don’t have an analogous legal right.

Neil Rubin writes:

“A few loyal blog readers are triggering a debate regarding my last entry on the sentencing of the noxious and toxic Bishop Richard Williamson…”

One wonders where this debate is taking place. Presumably, your “loyal blog readers” would comment on your blog page itself. Of course, reader comments are a rare thing on The Jewish Times’s blog pages.

So, the question is: WHERE is this so-called debate taking place?