StudyGrowKnow

Freedom of Speech on Study-Grow-Know

October 14, 2010 at 5:40 PM 1 comment

This is a quick one, but I wanted to take a moment to explain my position on freedom of speech as it applies to comments left by people who take the time to read the individual blogs posted here.

There have been a number of people who stop by, read something (or not) and then leave a very crude, pedestrian-type of comment.  The comment(s) is generally asinine and might include ad hominem attacks.  On a number of occasions, the same individual will leave a baited statement like “thank you for not denying me of my right of freedom of speech, by posting my comment.”  Of course, it’s not stated in such a polite way, but the point is clear.  If I do not post their comment, then I am allegedly guilty of denying their freedom of speech.

We need to be clear on this.  I have received and usually read their comment(s).  Because I have received it, they have not been denied any of their free speech rights.  By choosing to NOT post their comments for all the world to see does nothing as far as free speech is concerned.  I did not keep them from posting their comment to me.  I simply deemed their comment too stupid to post.  In essence, I was doing that individual a favor so that the entire world (or however many people actually read these blogs) would not also see how stupid that person is, from their post.

The truth of the matter is that most people who leave posts here do so anonymously.  Because of that fact alone – that they do not want people to know who they actually are – it is therefore impossible to say that I have denied them their freedom of speech by not posting their comment(s).  In fact, they have actually done that by keeping their identity a secret.

Even for those who use some type of real-looking name, that is no guarantee that they are who they claim to be.  The bottom line here is that there is an option installed by WordPress that allows me to have comments automatically posted, moderated, or never posted.  The fact that this exists within the confines of WordPress is testament to the fact that not posting comments left by individuals does not constitute a denial of anyone’s right of free speech.

This board – Study-Grow-Know – is my board.  I can let it sit here with nothing on it, I can post only my words and thoughts, or I can allow people to post their thoughts and comments.  People who really believe their rights are being denied are perfectly free to start their own blog.

The chances of having your comment(s) posted is due directly to the level of intelligence used in your comment.  I don’t even mind a bit of sarcasm, because I use it myself.  However, I don’t appreciate and will not post comments left by people who simply attack.  There is no point to posting or addressing those types of comments.

I have used the Internet long enough to know that some people, for kicks, simply wander around the ‘Net looking for ways to start arguments.  These people are pointless and they get off at the expense of others.  If you have something intelligent to say, feel free to say it.  If you need to use numerous epithets, expletives, ad hominem attacks, and the rest, that requires me to edit your comments.  If you are not intelligent enough to extend your thoughts without having to resort to the lowest common denominator, then it would probably be best to keep your comments on your own blog, or continue searching for other blogs where your type of comments are appreciated.

I’m all for discussion and even disagreement.  I’m not willing to engage in stupidity simply because people think it’s entertaining.

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