That is why I said that what this movie-maker did, had little to do with freedom of speech.
I see it in a more historical context. It started for the masses to protest the absolute rule of the monarchy or other form of government. They wanted more rights in a time where you weren't allowed to vote, no welfare, 7 day working week etc. The early beginning was done by humanists and scientists like Erasmus and Galileo.
No it has turned into a shield were you hide behind when you insult people who think differently, have another religion or culture. If you get penalized for inciting hatred you'll claim your 2nd amendment is getting infringed. Effective and simple!

Effective and simple!

not really.
A person should know when he has crossed the line. Then apologize, there absolutely is no room for ethical,religious, or sexist remarks. period.
simple is making it sound to much like a game.'like, ill insult someone and then just use the good ole 2nd to get me out of a mudhole.'

The simple answer to the question is:

When it becomes slander

Main Entry: slander
Function: noun
Etymology: Anglo-French esclandre, from Old French escandle esclandre scandal, from Late Latin scandalum moral stumbling block, disgrace, from Greek skandalon, literally, snare, trap
1 : defamation of a person by unprivileged oral communication made to a third party; also : defamatory oral statements
2 : the tort of oral defamation <sued his former employer for slander> —compare DEFAMATION, FALSE LIGHT, LIBEL
NOTE: An action for slander may be brought without alleging and proving special damages if the statements in question have a plainly harmful character, as by imputing to the plaintiff criminal guilt, serious sexual misconduct, or conduct or a characteristic affecting his or her business or profession. —slan·der·ous /'slan-d&-r&s/ adjective —slan·der·ous·ly adverb —slan·der·ous·ness noun


http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=slander

Among other things.

One must consider the argument in light of the intent of the founding fathers and then separate "myth" from reality. Slander, if based on facts, does not violate free speech.

I was thinking of this thread as I viewed again "300"... "Before you speak know that in Sparta a man is held accountable for the words of his voice, even a king's messenger."

Just like "freedom", free speech is not free. There is a price to pay for having those things with which we associate the word freedom- sacrifice, laws, service. Likewise the price with free speech is responsibility and accountability for the things you say. You are allowed to say them but it is not a blank cheque with which you may defame, insult or libel with impunity.

Originally Posted by bulldogg

I was thinking of this thread as I viewed again "300"... "Before you speak know that in Sparta a man is held accountable for the words of his voice, even a king's messenger."

Just like "freedom", free speech is not free. There is a price to pay for having those things with which we associate the word freedom- sacrifice, laws, service. Likewise the price with free speech is responsibility and accountability for the things you say. You are allowed to say them but it is not a blank cheque with which you may defame, insult or libel with impunity.

Here here! It has been a while since I last agreed so whole heartedly on a post. Yes, there is a price to pay for free speach and that is why so few really dare to speak the mind when it matters. Only the brave speak when the penalty for speaking is known...

Originally Posted by bulldogg

I was thinking of this thread as I viewed again "300"... "Before you speak know that in Sparta a man is held accountable for the words of his voice, even a king's messenger."

Just like "freedom", free speech is not free. There is a price to pay for having those things with which we associate the word freedom- sacrifice, laws, service. Likewise the price with free speech is responsibility and accountability for the things you say. You are allowed to say them but it is not a blank cheque with which you may defame, insult or libel with impunity.

And that is the whole point. Unfortunately people are not held responsible for their speech. Only their action. If more people were held responsible for any sewage that comes out of their mouth I would be willing to bet that more people would learn to express themselves in a fair manner.