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I've read news articles about people losing their jobs over things that they've posted online, and read how certain sites have censored users. I am definitely not an expert, but I want to make sure that I understand this, so please help me out.
The Government shall not make laws to prohibit our free speech, correct? I should be able to criticize whomever, doesn't matter if they are private citizens or public officials. I can call them a dirty whatever, but I can't threaten them with harm. I don't have the right to post to city-data, youtube, or somewhere else, if they don't like what I have to say (write), they can remove it, but the government cannot impose laws or imprison me for saying or writing criticizing statements.
Now, I'm not entitled to a job, so if I post something online, and my manager doesn't like it, they can fire me correct? If I hire someone to clean my yard, but I saw that they posted something that I didn't like, I can fire them, correct?
You can say what you want (non-threatening), you have that right, and the government can't interfere, but your employer can fire you, and websites can block you? Am I missing something?
People, mainly conservatives, just don't understand what free speech means. You are absolutely correct in saying that free speech means the government cannot stop you from speaking and can make no laws that do stop you as long as you are nt making threats to individuals. Free speech has nothing to do with the consequences of speaking stupidly and showing the world how stupid, bigoted, or racist you actually are. Thus companies that you work for can fire you for your stupid, bigoted, or racist speeches, tweets, or facebook posts.
Double standards all the way. Look at the way Obama and his thugs are treated vs. Trump or how rappers are treated compared to Rosanne. No one said life is fair, we just need to learn to work our own way through the world for the duration.
sounds to me like you got it. the government cannot do anything to you if you criticize them, or peacefully protest them,as long as you follow the laws regarding the protest itself, IE getting the proper permits for where you want the protest, the time of the protest, etc. also you cannot block access to what ever you are protesting. for instance lets say you want to protest the cops for what you think is brutality, you cannot block the comings and goings, or otherwise interfere with the cops doing their duties.
but while you can say what you want about your employer, your employer can retaliate by punishing you if what you say harms the company, even if you are off duty.
also you can say anything you like about another person, but they can also retaliate legally against you if what you say is slander or libel. if you speak the truth, you have the protection of the truth.
I've read news articles about people losing their jobs over things that they've posted online, and read how certain sites have censored users. I am definitely not an expert, but I want to make sure that I understand this, so please help me out.
The Government shall not make laws to prohibit our free speech, correct? I should be able to criticize whomever, doesn't matter if they are private citizens or public officials. I can call them a dirty whatever, but I can't threaten them with harm. I don't have the right to post to city-data, youtube, or somewhere else, if they don't like what I have to say (write), they can remove it, but the government cannot impose laws or imprison me for saying or writing criticizing statements.
Now, I'm not entitled to a job, so if I post something online, and my manager doesn't like it, they can fire me correct? If I hire someone to clean my yard, but I saw that they posted something that I didn't like, I can fire them, correct?
You can say what you want (non-threatening), you have that right, and the government can't interfere, but your employer can fire you, and websites can block you? Am I missing something?
Good summation. Only the government can violate 1A. If the company is not a government entity, they can do whatever is best for their business.
It also helps if you don't make racist jokes when your boss is a different race than you.
It is, of course, correct that the First Amendment refers to the Government restricting speech by American citizens.
Now, Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America, urged the National Football League to punish football players that 'take a knee' during the playing of the National Anthem.
Here is a handy link referencing what Mr. Trump has said.
I would submit that President Trump is 'the Government'.
I would also submit that the President urging a private company to 'fire' players if said players engage in 'speech' would be prohibited by the First Amendment.
In other words, the "Government" was restricting the speech of American Citizens by proxy.
So, if we all agree that the government may not restrict speech, can we also agree that the government cannot wield its power to make private companies restrict the speech of others?
It is, of course, correct that the First Amendment refers to the Government restricting speech by American citizens.
Now, Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America, urged the National Football League to punish football players that 'take a knee' during the playing of the National Anthem.
Here is a handy link referencing what Mr. Trump has said.
I would submit that President Trump is 'the Government'.
I would also submit that the President urging a private company to 'fire' players if said players engage in 'speech' would be prohibited by the First Amendment.
In other words, the "Government" was restricting the speech of American Citizens by proxy.
So, if we all agree that the government may not restrict speech, can we also agree that the government cannot wield its power to make private companies restrict the speech of others?
He gave his opinion. He isn't making anyone do anything.
It is, of course, correct that the First Amendment refers to the Government restricting speech by American citizens.
Now, Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America, urged the National Football League to punish football players that 'take a knee' during the playing of the National Anthem.
Here is a handy link referencing what Mr. Trump has said.
I would submit that President Trump is 'the Government'.
I would also submit that the President urging a private company to 'fire' players if said players engage in 'speech' would be prohibited by the First Amendment.
In other words, the "Government" was restricting the speech of American Citizens by proxy.
So, if we all agree that the government may not restrict speech, can we also agree that the government cannot wield its power to make private companies restrict the speech of others?
so what you are saying is that no one in government has free speech rights? does this mean that once someone becomes a government official their rights no longer exist until such time as they leave government?
sorry my friend it doesnt work that way, fortunately. trump can say what ever he wants, and he can even encourage certain behaviors, but others dont have to listen to him or follow his advice.
take the kneeling issue for instance, trump can say everything he said, the team owners can tell him to F@#$ off anytime they choose. you cannot muzzle someone just because they become president and you dont like the things they say.
remember the president cannot make laws, only congress can, and congress is prevented from making laws regarding freedom of speech, etc.
obama, in fact pretty much all presidents, said things i didnt like, but while i disagreed with them, i never called for limiting their free speech rights.
so what you are saying is that no one in government has free speech rights? does this mean that once someone becomes a government official their rights no longer exist until such time as they leave government?
sorry my friend it doesnt work that way, fortunately. trump can say what ever he wants, and he can even encourage certain behaviors, but others dont have to listen to him or follow his advice.
take the kneeling issue for instance, trump can say everything he said, the team owners can tell him to F@#$ off anytime they choose. you cannot muzzle someone just because they become president and you dont like the things they say.
remember the president cannot make laws, only congress can, and congress is prevented from making laws regarding freedom of speech, etc.
obama, in fact pretty much all presidents, said things i didnt like, but while i disagreed with them, i never called for limiting their free speech rights.
Your lack of understanding of my point is appalling.
Ah, well. I did not expect much in the way of responses, and I have not been disappointed.
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