Societal Scapegoat or Guilty as Charged?

[Napoléon]

I just don't think you can punish someone for simply saying something.

Even if it is extreme

Ok so I decide to make death threats to someone and threaten to kill them within 3 days. The police find out about it but say, "hey, it's only words who cares?". I then proceed to kill whoever I said I would. Don't you think you'd be sitting there saying: well that should of been prevented?

Sure it's just words, but the consequences of these words are serious. I'm all for free speech but there is a line between saying something reasonable and abusing the freedom you have to commit other crimes.

[thesummerqueen]

Dennis was clearly deranged. He needed to at least be checked out. And also, it's one thing to say "I hate atheists". It's another thing to directly spam them, over and over. Where does the line between threats and freedom of speech lie? You should be free to have your own opinion - but others should be free to live their lives without feeling like something truly could happen to them at the hands of an angry individual. They all moaned and groaned that steps should have been taken with the VA tech shooter when signs were displayed - how do we know Mabus wouldn't have been the same way eventually?

---

To get to the original post though - I think it's absolutely ludicrous to limit access to social networks of any sort during an event. As much as it could have organized people who cause harm, they can also serve to organize those who are trying to help or protect others.

The real problem is apathy in the general populace, and a severe lack in critical thinking skills. Not the technology.

[frankiej]

It is very much a touchy subject in parts, and I suppose when it comes to the safety of others, then action should be taken... Although, it is sometimes too difficult to tell whether it is in jest... If the police took everything I say to friends and stuff, I would be in jail due to my perverse and somewhat disturbing sense of humor.

However, in the case of the 2 retards on facebook, I don't think this action should have taken place... they failed in getting people to riot... People are too materialistic about this stuff... I don't condone it, but when someone robs an HMV, I really couldn't care less... That being said, when they loot from family built businesses then that is too far... but, it is the people who actually riot and loot who are the real problem, not a couple of twits on facebook.

[thesummerqueen]

It is very much a touchy subject in parts, and I suppose when it comes to the safety of others, then action should be taken... Although, it is sometimes too difficult to tell whether it is in jest... If the police took everything I say to friends and stuff, I would be in jail due to my perverse and somewhat disturbing sense of humor.

That's where the critical thinking should come in. Do your friends know you're joking? Are you persistently threatening them to the point that they believe you? If not, no one should go Big Brother on you. If yes, they ought to report you and someone should investigate it. And also - wouldn't you stop your threatening language if it really made your friends uncomfortable, like a decent human being? I would think they'd talk to you first before going to the police even.

[frankiej]

It is very much a touchy subject in parts, and I suppose when it comes to the safety of others, then action should be taken... Although, it is sometimes too difficult to tell whether it is in jest... If the police took everything I say to friends and stuff, I would be in jail due to my perverse and somewhat disturbing sense of humor.

That's where the critical thinking should come in. Do your friends know you're joking? Are you persistently threatening them to the point that they believe you? If not, no one should go Big Brother on you. If yes, they ought to report you and someone should investigate it. And also - wouldn't you stop your threatening language if it really made your friends uncomfortable, like a decent human being? I would think they'd talk to you first before going to the police even.

Yeah, they are the same with me... We all have a similar sense of humor... But, for people just looking, they might see it differently... And if they did believe me then that would be hilarious, because they know I am a bit of a pacifist.

But, yeah, I see where you are coming from.

[thesummerqueen]

People listening in annoy the shit out of me - I'm fine with them asking if everything's okay, but they shouldn't go hauling in the police if everyone says they're fine.

We have a policy in the states here with sexual harassment where if Person A overhears a conversation between Persons B & C, and it makes Person A the least bit uncomfortable, B & C can be disciplined. That's bullshit.

[frankiej]

We have a policy in the states here with sexual harassment where if Person A overhears a conversation between Persons B & C, and it makes Person A the least bit uncomfortable, B & C can be disciplined. That's bullshit.

Whaaaa! That is crazy

[thesummerqueen]

Yeah. Especially since Person A could have taken it entirely out of context and the conversation not been sexual at all.

We like to keep each other on our toes here in America.

[frankiej]

Yeah, you guys are craaaaazy.

I suppose when I eventually visit America I will have to be careful who hears me talking.

[thesummerqueen]

only if you plan to work here