The Cultural Post - Latest Comments in http://anhkhoi.blogspot.com/2006/10/stand-up-for-freedom-of-speech.html

Re: http://anhkhoi.blogspot.com/2006/10/stand-up-for-freedom-of-speech.html

Anh Khoi Do — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 19:25:00 -0000

You're raising quite an interesting point. However, I believe that I clearly made a difference between civil freedom and freedom of speech. The first one can't be perfect, because individuals must put behind some of their wildest whims to respect the laws and values that society gives them. As for the latter, it should be perfect, because individuals have the right to think the way they want, because the human thoughts, in terms of opinions, is not supposed to be controlled by the government. Unfortunately, the reason why freedom of speech can't be perfect, it's because restrictions always exist, even in democratic countries.

Re: http://anhkhoi.blogspot.com/2006/10/stand-up-for-freedom-of-speech.html

Al — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 23:52:00 -0000

In my opinion, I don't think there is "freedom" in any society. If you decide to live in a society, you have to sacrifice your freedom and abide to the laws and values that society gives you. The difference is that some countries are more "free" than others, but it's impossible to have the "perfect freedom".

Re: http://anhkhoi.blogspot.com/2006/10/stand-up-for-freedom-of-speech.html

Ergotelina — Sat, 28 Oct 2006 16:58:00 -0000

The only fear in the West
is the penal code about
defamation that gives
somebody the right to
sue a satirizing site

Has ever happened in Canada?

Re: http://anhkhoi.blogspot.com/2006/10/stand-up-for-freedom-of-speech.html

Anh Khoi Do — Sat, 28 Oct 2006 09:24:00 -0000

That's true. In Canada, an university professor of philosophy got fired just because he put a caricature of Mohamed on the door of his office. Some people don't make any difference between representing oneself with our opinion or representing an institution. That's also true that censorship is often practiced in Canada. It's really sad.

Re: http://anhkhoi.blogspot.com/2006/10/stand-up-for-freedom-of-speech.html

FreeCyprus — Sat, 28 Oct 2006 08:22:00 -0000

I think it comes as no surprise to anyone that the worst violators of personal freedoms are non-Democratic countries, specifically Communist, Marxist and Islamic countries. Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy were no different.

I am always saddened when I see examples of censorship in Canada, the United States and Greece...the three countries I'm personally closest to. These countries should always be on the front lines of defending freedom and should always be beacons of democracy.

Re: http://anhkhoi.blogspot.com/2006/10/stand-up-for-freedom-of-speech.html

FreeCyprus — Sat, 28 Oct 2006 08:10:00 -0000

>>
The freedom to blog, except in Iran

http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...

http://web.amnesty.org/web/...

"The soldiers beat my hands and secured them to plumbing pipes. They beat my head and abdominal area with soldiers' shoes...[they] held me under [a drain full of excrement] for so long I was unable to breathe and the excrement was inhaled through my nose and seeped into my mouth."
Ahmad Batebi, writing in an open letter following his imprisonment in 1999.

Re: http://anhkhoi.blogspot.com/2006/10/stand-up-for-freedom-of-speech.html

FreeCyprus — Sat, 28 Oct 2006 08:05:00 -0000

I'll stand up for FREEDOM of speech with you any day. I always enjoy reading your blog and I like your style.

FP