Saturday, May 15, 2010

the right to speak

I recently watched a documentary on the life of Larry Flint - founder and promoter of Hustler magazine and all things pornography in America. His life is ironically celebrated as a champion for the freedom of speech - a constitutional privilege. I was struck by the irony that something created to protect people's freedom can so easily be manipulated to take it away. And yet, that same freedom is challenged in court and in public opinion if the content of the speech is unpopular... or, let's say Biblical.
Read this article from the National Post about some students who will challenge their freedom to speak for those who can't speak for themselves. Then maybe give some thought to using our rights and freedoms for the liberation of those who have none.

1 comment:

Bernard Martin said...

Hi Danielle,

Thanks for this thought provoking link re freedom of speech. I have just read another blog on this issue at:-

http://fsaof.blogspot.com/2010/05/right-to-provoke.html#comments

Freedom of speech is perhaps best considered more of a responsibility than a right, and is best exercised in the spirit of the words of David in Psalm 19v14 - 'May the words of my mouth ... be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.'

Regards.

Bernard