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What Free Speech is Costing Us [1]

['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']

Date: 2023-07-31  

I have been worrying about this for some time now, particularly in the last few years. We all know because we see it every day that people can and will say absolutely anything about anybody, And of course the internet has magnified anything said by about a thousand times….

So what, you say..….well,I say this…..at what point are people to be held accountable for their words?…...at what point is the harm done to others by our words a matter to be dealt with? I call to witness Rudy Guiliani...he has finally (sort of casually!) admitted he lied about Ruby Freeman and her daughter….and denied the harm done to them….which, as we all know, is very substantial….he basically ruined their lives ...and is going to walk free….he may lose the lawsuit she brought but that is all….it will cost him money….but other than that….nothing….. and he cites his right to “free speech”...

So what should be done about it…? “free speech” can be very costly to some...the ability to say anything about anyone and any situation..and have it go out over the internet in a nanosecond….before the person accused even knows about it….is frightening and horrifying..

I am truly afraid that “free speech” may be the instrument that brings us down as a country….as we can see so clearly in the person of Trump, who lies every time he opens his mouth and many many people believe him…..the harm his words have done to this country already is incalculable……I do not know the answer…..I hope smarter people than I have some….but it seems to me we do need to address the matter...once upon a time there were such things a libel and slander laws….I suppose those are moot questions now in todays instant communication world…

So what to do?…..free speech is very important in a free society..and there are of course responsible news outlets ...but an equal number of irresponsible ones….and one can do nothing about individuals who can and do any whatever they want….lies or truth in their mouths is difficult to ascertain..I greatly fear that immense harm is being done to our society.….

I do not know the answer…...but it seems to me we need to address the matter in some way….to make it harder for people to just tell any lie they want and get away with it….it is terrifying to know that anyone at any time can ruin ones life with a lie and get away with it citing “free speech”…….

If anyone has any good ideas we would all like to hear them...

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