In his celebrated essay ‘On Liberty’, John Stuart Mill asserts that “the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others.”
The issue of freedom of expression is one of the most contentious issues in liberal societies. To what extent, if any, should the widely-endorsed principle of free speech be tempered by a corresponding sense of civic responsibility? Is it okay to express ideological beliefs regardless of how offensive they may be to others? How do we defend and promote tolerance whilst protecting the doctrine of free speech? Perhaps you believe compromise is the soul of democracy. Perhaps you don’t.
Do white supremacists have the right to march in a black neighbourhood?
[polldaddy poll=5198929]
About thespeedofdark
David Winship has written an unauthorised autobiography and several critically disdained literary tomes. His work is frequently compared with Steinbeck, Orwell and Hemingway, but unfortunately Mike Steinbeck, Daisy Orwell and Howard Hemingway were all terrible writers. He has been totally overlooked for the most prestigious literary awards worldwide, which is a shame as most of the words are spelled correctly. In fact, his books contain material that ranks with the finest literary works in history: all the right letters are there, just not necessarily in the right order.
Dave’s blog (The Speed Of Dark Blog) is part of his crusade for truth and justice and universal entitlement to free real ale. It may well be that his whole purpose in life is to serve as a warning to others.
Amazon Author Page
