by Ken Vincent, Featured Contributor
THE RECENT slaughter of cartoonists and others at a French magazine makes me wonder; does freedom of speech come with responsibilities?
Is it “over the line” to take shots, humorous or otherwise at people’s religious beliefs? Should some things be held as off limits? Is it right to trample on the beliefs of others?
While it can sometimes be held in bad taste to take shots at current entertainers, politicians, and other public figures, at least they can defend themselves. Christ, Mohammad, Buddha, and many other religious figures are long gone and can’t speak or respond to criticisms.
While I am in no way defending Islam radicals or the violent actions at the magazine, I do have to wonder if perhaps the publication stepped over the line of freedom of speech, human courtesy, and good common sense.
Do you believe that those perimeters of responsible journalism were violated? Are there limits to freedom of speech and if so where do those fall?
Freedom of speech is a condition to search truth. Being offended is connected with feelings. It’s not an issue of searching where truth or lie are. You can say truth and the truth can offend somebody. So searching of truth and feelings lie in the different planes. And everybody chooses the own way. If truth is more important for you you should be ready that your words may be offensive, unpleasant for even many people. If feelings is more important for you than truth then you should keep silence sometimes or lie.