@John L. Ries Rudeness is not a right, rudeness is an affront to human dignity. Someone with Tourette's isn't being rude. I'm amazed you can't see the difference. In short, rudeness is a choice, having Tourette's is an affliction. Many of us will suffer some affliction at some point in our lives, we still deserve respect and compassion at that point, that is our right.
It seems amazing that the right of "free speech" is so misunderstood. Free speech is about being able to express a point of view, not being able to express it in a deliberately offensive and provocative manner.
If I abuse a fellow passenger on a bus for their dress, religion, or race - are calls for me to stop that a "violation of free speech"? Isn't what I'm doing just harassment? It seems often talk about free speech is just a "hot button" to stifle proper debate about how we treat one another (which when you think about it, is ironic, as this is clearly the exact opposite of what the US Constitution's intent was).
Discussion on:
Message 5 of 1
The best of ZDNet, delivered
ZDNet Newsletters
Get the best of ZDNet delivered straight to your inbox
