[–] ElementalPee 0 points 4 points 4 points (+4|-0) ago
Freedom of speech doesn't have to exclusively involve the government. For example, From ACLU's "What is Censorship" page:
Censorship, the suppression of words, images, or ideas that are "offensive," happens whenever some people succeed in imposing their personal political or moral values on others. Censorship can be carried out by the government as well as private pressure groups.
[–] p0ssum [S] 5 points -3 points 2 points (+2|-5) ago
Absolutely, but those are the consequences I am talking about. You can say whatever you want, but depending on how it is dispersed(social media, political rally), there can be consequences for your actions regardless of whether or not what you said is covered under free speech.
[–] ElementalPee 0 points 2 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago (edited ago)
I mean by your logic why not include the government and say "Hey of course there's freedom of speech. You just might have consequences. I mean we might execute you and throw your family in prison for good measure but you can still say whatever you want." I agree that's an exaggeration but it doesn't seem so different in principle from the argument you're making. "It's ok if someone punishes you for communicating your ideas. Just don't let it be the government."
[–] ElementalPee 0 points 3 points 3 points (+3|-0) ago
Do you believe that or not? Or do you think that the censorship invoked by said private pressure groups doesn't impede on freedom of speech since it's not government related after all?