[staysharp]

Originally Posted by Ferd

Well, I’m not James Griffin but let me share...

First of all, we are not all American here. We are blessed to have a number of very fine Canadian brothers and sisters (and one dear virtual Auntie) posting with us on AFF.
Second of all, the Constitution, does not give Americans unequivocal right to freedom of any speech in any place.
The American Constitution provides that no American will be persecuted by the United States Government for speaking against the government.
While you can say anything on AFF and be free from Governmental intervention (with the exception of stating illegal things like making terroristic threats), you have no constitutional protection for what you say as it relates to private entities.

For instance, if you work for ABC Company, and you issue a statement against the sitting president of the United States, that is laden with profanities, while at work, the government will do nothing, but your employer is free to fire your sorry rear for being profane.

If you went on the radio and said very bad things about some race, the government will not come arrest you, but you can be fired from your job, loose all your friends, and end up in a divorce if your spouse chooses that course of action.

In both cases the constitutional protections remain in place, but the consequences of your actions in the private sector might be detrimental to your well being.


AFF is no different. You are free to say that St Matt is an ugly nefarious religious zealot bent on riding the world of your favorite fava bean, and the government will not toss you in jail. BOOM however, is free to ban you from the forum and make jokes about fava lovers and how they are all bound to eat spinach in eternity.

I hope that explains James’ resounding and succinct “NO”.

Thank you all for playing. (not the management)

Thanks, interesting answer. I'm still unsure of the internet communal definition as a home.