Does Freedom of Press mean freedom to abuse ?
144674
No, it means freedom to tell the news.  Sometimes truth hurts.\n\nhttp://usinfo.state.gov/journals/itdhr/0297/ijde/goodale.htm
799940
It's just a game support the ruler no matter how violently out of control he gets and if you don't you're a traitor/ unpatrioitic.\n\nOf course in the US, so called land of the free (haha excuse me while I collapse in hysterical fits of laughter) you're supposed to have freedom of speech but I think Bush is doing a pretty good job of abolishing that supported by his red necks who will still be waving flags when he locks them all up for 9 o'clock curfew.
221858
What do you mean the right? We have free speech don't we?
124486
Anyone can say anything he or she wants in this country - however that person can be held accountable for damage, defamation, reckless disregard for truth of falsity, libel, slander, - and yes, Diamond D. is correct. \n\nEven if I do NOT like what some one says, publishes, broadcasts, it is not against the law unless it falls out side of Constitutionally protected speech.  We have no prior restraint ( Near V Minn ) and one can collect damages for Actual Malice ( New York Times vs Sullivan ) - if they are not a public figure.\n\nFreedom of speech comes with responsibility and consequences.  And again to the Love it or Leave its out there - I would NEVER censor or try to deny their rights to their free expression of opinion.  They are American citizens and their speech is as protected - as MINE is. \n\nWorks both ways - but I will support their rights to free speech even if they do NOT support mine.
1077880
i think that you are mandated to report any abuse. even if you aren't if you know some one thats being abused you should tell anyways, mandated or not
831871
I believe so, but it is their rights. Ethics and morals are being overshadowed by ego's and opinions. It is sad really as upon my return I was scorned by several people. I wish the media would just stay the hell out. All they print is garbage and half stories and it is making the war that much more difficult.
917000
I don't see this as abuse.  Why would you feel the need to report them?  There is no breach of confidence.
1001124
Oh, I am wounded to the core.\n\nAre you familiar with a document that conservatives shredded and used for toilet paper called the Constitution?  Well, the First Amendment  to that document, which Bush is reported to have called "just a GD piece of paper" guarantees free speech as not only a value, but a right.\n\nIt is not an absolute freedom, of course, there are restrictions against its abuse, such as libel and defamation, obscenity, incitement to crime, and sedition.  Although they have been rejected by American courts, some arguments have been made that speech which is offensive whould also fall under restricted speech, such as using the phrase "sissy liberal talk."
63678
"Freedom of speech" from a legal point of view means that no law should be passed preventing any person from speaking out. Thus the prohibition against censorship. However, the law also recognizes that the right to free speech should be exercised responsibly. That is why if the words uttered are untrue and hurts the reputation of another, then the speaker may be sued for libel or slander. Or if the words spoken exhorts listeners to rise up in arms against duly constituted government, the speaker may be punished for sedition.
157187
Free press means the ability to report the news without fear of retribution. Free speach means the ability to express an opinion without fear of retribution. No true free society can exist when someone expressing an opinion must fear for their life by doing so. As such, the followers of Islam who protest a cartoon by burning the national flags of other countries, (which many people find offensive), just prove that they prefer the rule of dictatorships, where they can spend their entire lifes bending over to the whims of those in power.
274742
There are limits on freedom of speech. Recently, a Danish newspaper printed a catricture of Muhammad, the prophet of Islam and it resulted in petitions, letters from head of Muslim states, and protests, both peaceful and violent. The reaction was very negative.\n\nA good quote on this issue is, "''The liberty of the press is indeed essential to the nature of a free state; but this consists in laying no previous restraints upon publications, and not in freedom from censure for criminal matter when published. Every freeman has an undoubted right to lay what sentiments he pleases before the public; to forbid this, is to destroy the freedom of the press: but if he publishes what is improper, mischievous, or illegal, he must take the consequences of his own temerity. To subject the press to the restrictive power of a licenser, as was formerly done, both before and since the Revolution, is to subject all freedom of sentiment to the prejudices of one man, and make him the arbitrary and infallible judge of all controverted points in learning, religion and government. But to punish as the law does at present any dangerous or offensive writings, which, when published, shall on a fair and impartial trial be adjudged of a pernicious tendency, is necessary for the preservation of peace and good order, of government and religion, the only solid foundations of civil liberty. Thus, the will of individuals is still left free: the abuse only of that free will is the object of legal punishment. Neither is any restraint hereby laid upon freedom of thought or inquiry; liberty of private sentiment is still left; the disseminating, or making public, of bad sentiments, destructive to the ends of society, is the crime which society corrects." - W. Blackstone's Commentaries on the Laws of England 151-52.\n\nI believe that freedom of speech can and should be limited, and all that freedom of speech means is that Congress should not make laws that place previous restraints on the press or on speech. Illegal speech can and should be punished. A person should be able to say whatever they want but they should also be accountable for what they say.
685829
Not Ready To Make Nice because it means being able to stand up for what you believe in no matter the consequences. i believe in freedom of speech and believe that we should be able to speak our minds 100% without being punished by those who dont want to listen to our opinions.
163655
blogging is not different from the rest of the internet, or newspaper publishing for that matter. Same limititations to free speech: insults, confidential or copyrighted information, , promoting hate/violence/crime. If they can find you or website operator, they'll shut the blog down. Aside from that, nobody cares.
466256
FREEDOM of press is there so nothing wrong is expressing ones views in a magazine or newspaper.The people in general if they are educated should read it in the right perspective
246185
The mass media will argue freedom of the press and 1st amendment towards any legislation that is designed to curb/controll the mass media.  Based on case law, they would win.
83073
I see no reason why they should.  Its called freedom of press and I support them 100% in this situation.
1109670
If the investigation was about your daughter getting raped, or your family member dying in the twin tower collapse, or any other  criminal investigation, no.  Free speech is great, at a cost of a life, or for money isn't.  I hate to tell you the paper only covers it to make money, with no remorse to the repercussions it may have.