You Can’t Defend Freedom of Speech By Taking Away the Freedom of Speech
I’m a Mormon. That’s probably why I’m sensitive to this issue. For those of you who aren’t aware of the history of our church, you can learn more about it here.
You see, back in the early-to-mid 1800’s, members of our church were driven out of multiple states, subjected to discrimination and persecution and there was even a law passed ordering the extermination of our people from Missouri.
Eventually, we were forced to leave the town we had built up from a swamp to the biggest city in Illinois (at the time). Our members were driven out at gunpoint, in the winter. They walked and rode about 1,200 miles to Salt Lake City, UT where they founded that city (and most of the rest of the state).
What does any of this have to do with anything?
Lately, Scientology has become a hot topic. A group named (courageously enough) Anonymous has been harassing them with DoS attacks, youtube videos and other methods of attack. Their stated purpose is to bring down Scientology.
Why, you ask?
Because they say Scientology is nothing but a pyramid scheme and they stifle freedom of speech within their religion.
But, that could be said of a whole lot of groups, religious and otherwise.
Is Scientology forcing people to join? Are they stopping people from leaving? Are they breaking the law in other ways? If not, leave them alone. If so, build your case, file suits (where appropriate) or involve the authorities.
But vigilante justice does nothing but limit the very 1st amendment freedoms supposedly being defended.
I’m no fan of Scientology, that’s for sure. But, while I disagree with (most of) what they say, I strongly believe in their right to say it. If it’s false, the truth will be brought to light, sooner or later.
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February 19, 2008 9:21 pm
By Heidi, February 19, 2008 @ 9:46 pm
You write so clearly–I love it. You amaze me with how you cut to the heart of the issue with such apparent ease and are able to think critically without getting emotional about it.
As far as the content goes–I agree. Initially, I may not have, but because of the way you explained it–you completely convinced me.