I bet this guy would be first in line to prohibit flag burning too.

[motleypolitico]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100908/ap_on_re_us/quran_burningIt's tactless, it's rude, and it probably will have a negative effect on how the US is perceived overall. On the other hand, we claim to have a free country where free speech rights are observed, including symbolic speech. I don't see how you can have one without the other

Comments

[bitterwind]

Communications technology has shrunk the world faster than the traditions of free speech have spread. Developing a thick skin and enough distance from our cherished thoughts to acknowledge a diversity of views are skills that require a lot of experience - by individuals and communities. I keep thinking back to all the cheering geeks the end of "Jay and Silent BoB Strike Back": the desire to let the rage out against the trolls is still there, just below the surface, even in our idealistic culture.

We're in a world where a viral video can sweep across entire hemispheres in days. The full implications of that are still being mapped out. All that being said, I share a concern about compromising ideals in the name of pragmatism.