[ckphilli]

Forgive me, I didn't see another thread on this subject; so if it exists, excuse me. Obviously, this country has a gun problem. Obviously, this fellow was crazy.

What bothered me was the news coverage of his writings. Since when do we crucify people for their writings? It makes me very nervous when too much attention is placed against imagination. Save the facts and statistics, I'd like to see how everyone feels here.

CK

[ekim68]

Well, first off, you have 24 hour news and gossip coverage....That's a lot of effort..
And, money...

[ckphilli]

Yes, too much effort in my opinion. The news, as we all know, is overblown. But when something is crammed down your throat 24-7, someone will start believing...

[ekim68]

Just look around you. How much are you influenced by everywhere you go and everything you see?

[ckphilli]

I could give you the answer I'd like to give, not at all. But to speak honestly, I am influenced by some things. That's my point here, the media blows stories like this up; time and time again. Will they stop? no. As you stated, too much money involved. I just don't want our country to begin locking up people like Stephen King and R.A. Salvatore for their writings. Yes, this is the extreme... but it could happen if we continue.

[ekim68]

That's why we must be diligent. We the people have to press for a change, including voting more...This current administration has demonstrated many times that they should be above the law, but, IMO, that's not democracy....

[ckphilli]

I agree, and I'm glad to see someone else sees this. Oddly enough, 2008 will be the first vote for me in 31 years. I think I'm growing

[ekim68]

Right on. We have to start somewhere..I'm still learning...

[Fidelista]

Originally Posted by ckphilli

Forgive me, I didn't see another thread on this subject; so if it exists, excuse me. Obviously, this country has a gun problem. Obviously, this fellow was crazy.

What bothered me was the news coverage of his writings. Since when do we crucify people for their writings? It makes me very nervous when too much attention is placed against imagination. Save the facts and statistics, I'd like to see how everyone feels here.

CK

I think I know what you are saying ???.
Yes , I too am worried .
Freedom of expression --speech -- is one of the big differences between the US , and most other nations in world. It is one of the promises of democracies, and most important!.
Even the Europeans have lost their free speech -- can be jailed, put in prison , for even historical revisionism--stupid stuff-- that has no merit or importance, and some applaud it. Its over for them already
Anything that is written --opinion --expression --must be tolorated --or we become as they are.
What concerns me is that N.Americans are willing to do anything to protect their "feelings" --- have become too sensitive to anything that causes the slightest discomfort--- have a real need to silence anything that they feel is offensive .
Can you imagine this forum ran this way??, your nation , or the world???.
When it starts in the west --its over .
Hopefully we will rethink this problem and win in end--hopefully.
As far as news --and manipulation of masses with it ??? we just have to be smart enough to ignore BS. This problem is old as time. >f

[ekim68]

Originally Posted by Fidelista

I think I know what you are saying ???.
This problem is old as time. >f

Yep, it is...Probably mostly about having to get along together in the world.....Everyone has their own point of view, or, pov....Now, with, 6 billion other people...?

[BanditFlyer]

Originally Posted by ckphilli

Since when do we crucify people for their writings? It makes me very nervous when too much attention is placed against imagination.

Since, oh, about 1492 probably.

Speech is important. That's why we attempt to protect it and allow as much of it as possible. But when you yell fire in a crowded theatre, that's not cool.

[bomb #21]

Originally Posted by Fidelista

Even the Europeans have lost their free speech -- can be jailed, put in prison , for even historical revisionism--stupid stuff-- that has no merit or importance, and some applaud it. Its over for them already

Yes, of course they have. That's why scumbags like this are currently languishing in jail.

[oldie]

Originally Posted by Fidelista

Freedom of expression --speech -- is one of the big differences between the US , and most other nations in world. It is one of the promises of democracies, and most important!.
Even the Europeans have lost their free speech -- can be jailed, put in prison , for even historical revisionism

Would have expected better from you Fidelista Is not the European Union (27 Bloc) the most liberal and free society mix in the world? The Rome treaties. The Maastricht criteria. The European Court of Human Rights, together with its equal opportunities Commission and its transparency. The soon to be Schengen Agreement. Freedom of the airwaves (poor Rupert) and even Speakers Corner London etc etc Any more bloody freedoms and we may well see the abolition of Police Forces in Europe

Oldie

[BanditFlyer]

Originally Posted by oldie

Would have expected better from you Fidelista Is not the European Union (27 Bloc) the most liberal and free society mix in the world? The Rome treaties. The Maastricht criteria. The European Court of Human Rights, together with its equal opportunities Commission and its transparency. The soon to be Schengen Agreement. Freedom of the airwaves (poor Rupert) and even Speakers Corner London etc etc Any more bloody freedoms and we may well see the abolition of Police Forces in Europe

Oldie

http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache...lnk&cd=1&gl=us

http://www.ifex.org/da/content/view/full/78444

Well we all know that the UK isn't really part of Europe.

So Bomb, do you think he should have been jailed?

And do you think German and Austrian kids who draw swastikas should be jailed?

I think one of the differences between Americans like Fidelista and certain Euros is that Americans believe anyone stupid enough to deny the holocaust should be allowed to do so as loudly as they want so that everyone may see how stupid that person truly is. Austria, Germany, France, and other European nations take issue with that, and I think their decision is based more on fear than on reason.

[ckphilli]

Originally Posted by BanditFlyer

http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache...lnk&cd=1&gl=us

http://www.ifex.org/da/content/view/full/78444

Well we all know that the UK isn't really part of Europe.

So Bomb, do you think he should have been jailed?

And do you think German and Austrian kids who draw swastikas should be jailed?

I think one of the differences between Americans like Fidelista and certain Euros is that Americans believe anyone stupid enough to deny the holocaust should be allowed to do so as loudly as they want so that everyone may see how stupid that person truly is. Austria, Germany, France, and other European nations take issue with that, and I think their decision is based more on fear than on reason.

Thanks for the articles. I can't wait to here back from Bomb...