Koran book burning

[Watson]

Mistakes from our past aside, we've worked hard to right those wrongs which we did all those years ago. But we can never take them back, obviously. I'm not a racist, I didn't enslave anyone or drive any Native Americans off of their land; are you saying that you did? I highly doubt it, of course. America has changed much in the years since those events.

[lrh9]

I'm saying if my free expression offends you then so be it. I have every legal protection afforded to me to do that.

If we as a nation kowtow to offended people on this, where do we draw the line?

[Watson]

Oh. Okay. So then we're basically in agreement, I think...he has every right to do what he does. But I have every right to voice my opinion about what he does, as well. haha

[Minimalist]

I agree with the bold text statment. I disaree with the italized statement.

Who gives a shit what you agree with?

[lrh9]

Of course, but I don't think you can claim to truly support free speech if your words demonstrate that you merely tolerate it. If you had the power to do so would you shut this event down? If you answer yes then you don't truly support free speech. I don't think you can remain neutral either. If someone with the power to shut the event down moved to do so, and you had the power to stop those people would you? If not, then you are complicit in their actions.

[Watson]

But he shoudl totally give a shit what you think, right Min?

@lrh9- I can't say I would shut this down, no. Speaking out against what he is saying is less an act of condemning him, and mroe an act of showing where I stand as opposed to him. Signifying that I am not liek him and that he does not represent me is entirely in the interest of my cause, but it does nothing to stop him from propogating his.

Similarly, if someone moved to shut his event down, I would have to speak out against their actions as well. He must be allowed to speak or he is not free. And it ain't aAmerica if it ain't free.

[Entropist]

"Its a free country, I can do as I please!!!!!" And we wonder where the term "ugly American" comes from...

Just because an asshole has a right to be an asshole does not mean one should support him being an asshole.

[Minimalist]

I don't care what he thinks....or you think, for that matter.

If he had done a study/survey and published the result that would be one thing. But to simply say I don't like it so it isn't true is typical fundie bullshit. You should know about that.

[lrh9]

"Its a free country, I can do as I please!!!!!" And we wonder where the term "ugly American" comes from...

Just because an asshole has a right to be an asshole does not mean one should support him being an asshole.

If you were on the receiving end of the world's ire you would sing a different tune, so you're a fucking hypocrite.

[Watson]

You're so bigoted, Minimalist. It's hilarious.