Pope Francis says freedom of speech has limits

[DodgyAgent]

I'd consider myself a leftie. Every word that falls out of the PM's mouth offends me. His use of policy to defend the interests of society's elitist really offends me.

You cannot explain logically why so your "leftie position" represents your bigotry which centres around your own inadequacies and guilt. Because it offends you to be challenged your "position" manifests itself as a belief. Which is exactly how religious leaders behave. They believe their "beliefs" are above the bounds of satire and ridicule which is exactly why you and all religions should challenged.

[scooterscot]

Freedom of speech does have its limits. For example, you should not be free to shout "Fire!" in a crowded theatre (unless there is a fire, or you're executing the audience). Other limits might include inciting racial hatred, harassment, libel/slander against individuals or legal persons such as corporations, etc.

Ignoring Hitler's speeches worked well, didn't it.

There's freedom of speech and common sense. I don't think it's much to ask to apply both at the same time.

People do not have to read the cartoons, they can simple look the other way. Ignore it. Why is that so difficult? Ignore it often enough and it'll die out of unpopularity. It's seems those minorities that have difficulty with Western society should probably not move here in the first place.

I don't think for a minute I'd be tolerated preaching Christian beliefs and Western living customs in Saudi and still be alive at the end of the week to talk about? The religious police would have me.

[scooterscot]

You cannot explain logically why so your "leftie position" represents your bigotry which centres around your own inadequacies and guilt. Because it offends you to be challenged your "position" manifests itself as a belief. Which is exactly how religious leaders behave. They believe their "beliefs" are above the bounds of satire and ridicule which is exactly why you and all religions should challenged.

That may all be very well, but I don't vote, I'm not allowed.

[DodgyAgent]

There's freedom of speech and common sense. I don't think it's much to ask to apply both at the same time.

People do not have to read the cartoons, they can simple look the other way. Ignore it. Why is that so difficult? Ignore it often enough and it'll die out of unpopularity. It's seems those minorities that have difficulty with Western society should probably not move here in the first place.

I don't think for a minute I'd be tolerated preaching Christian beliefs and Western living customs in Saudi and still be alive at the end of the week to talk about? The religious police would have me.

Give it a go I am sure you will be fine

[d000hg]

I think he's wrong. Speaking is just that and nothing more. Whoever throws the first punch is the one taking it to the next level. Now that's causing harm.

That's stupid. In an ideal world you are right (though many would disagree and say punching you for an insult is entirely acceptable) but in the real world you have to be realistic. You don't upset a tattoed skinhead if you can help it, regardless of free speech.

Is the pope really advocating censorship, or common courtesy and respect of each other?

edit: it's also stupid to say that words don't cause harm. More people are messed up due to words than physical harm.

[darmstadt]

You cannot explain logically why so your "leftie position" represents your bigotry which centres around your own inadequacies and guilt. Because it offends you to be challenged your "position" manifests itself as a belief. Which is exactly how religious leaders behave. They believe their "beliefs" are above the bounds of satire and ridicule which is exactly why you and all religions should challenged.

Oh look, a right wing Russell Brand

[scooterscot]

You don't upset a tattoed skinhead if you can help it, regardless of free speech.

That's nothing to do with Free Speech and everything to do with Common Sense, which the protagonists seem to be missing in abundant quantities. Not long from now the government will be ready to throw its weight behind a law limiting free speech alongside increased powers for security services. All rather incredible the dark vail enveloping our society, eroding our powers of freedom - this is the left going mad, and what's madder is support is gaining.

[AtW]

Did he apologise for the inquisition yet?

[Platypus]

Unless God actually does exists and responds negatively towards countries that allow this mockery... you might get floods, financial crises, earthquakes...

Or he might send people in his name to kill you?

[unixman]

Freedom of speech is an immutable right. But just because something is legal doesn't always mean you should do it. I think that is the point the pope was trying to make.

IMO insulting a billion people for no reason is pretty moronic. We have enough hate, why create more?