When Free Speech Is Not Free Speech

I am not a big fan of censorship, unless in some cases (i.e. you don't show porn to kids under... 12 years old). However, I do not agree with most people that you are free to say anything, or at least my definition of "free speech" does not mean that you can make any statements without impunity. I do think it is important that when someone makes a statement, he or she must back it up with facts and evidences, well-thought-out rationale, good logic and must not subscribe to any fallacies. Sadly, if you look at some of the people who are opposed to the PAP, they make this kind of arguments (I'm looking at you, Chee Soon Juan). And the sad thing is, when they are challenged on their lack of evidence, they come up with all sorts of bullshit like the state-controlled media has falsely informed the people, or that the "truth" is not told to the people, etc etc etc, or that there is a conspiracy against them, etc etc etc.

This is kind of frustrating. Because although I agree with the government on some issues, there are certain issues and policies that I disagree with. And there are good people out there who are making sensible arguments against the government with regards to their bad policies, or policies which makes no sense (think 377a). However, the antics of assholes like CSJ undermines these valid arguments that the other people are making.

Here is a clip from Bill Maher's show, Real Time, recently, where a few 9-11 conspiracy theorists (who believes that 9/11 was a coordinated effort by the US government i.e. there were no terrorist, the government blew up the twin towers in an orchestrated effort) hijacked the show to protest against the host. Bill Maher threw them out (which I think was a correct move). Again, these crazy 9-11 truthers blur the issues with their crazy assertions, which is the Bush administration has badly handled the war and lied the American people into it. This is kind of how it is when people like Chee Soon Juan shoots off his mouth. His crazy antics are then easily dismissed by our government, and it blunts the real criticisms that other people may make against out government. Think about it.