In another forum, I got myself into a discussion about freedom of speech. Should it cover threats and verbal bullying? I think it should. I wanted to know Penn's opinion and the opinions of those on this forum.

I would ask for Teller's opinion, but this is referring to speech.[/stupid joke]

What's "verbal bullying"? If it's calling someone an asshole to their face, then yes, it should be entirely legal. The last thing we need are laws requiring us to be polite to each other.

A threat I perceive is a direct statement of intent to harm someone. "I'm gonna fucking kill you!" That's a form of assault, and is illegal. I think it should probably stay that way.

Death threats don't count. You can make direct threats ("I'm gonna slash your son's throat tonight") which is clearly punishable and not okay. But it has to be direct. Many european countries (institutionalized by the EU) have severe limitations on free speech which are so completely open for interpretation that most anything and anyone can be dragged to court. Here in Denmark (and I know that Norway, Sweden, France, Germany and the Netherlands have similar if not tighter strangleholds on free speech - there are surely others) the situation is really bad.

Living in this part of the world I therefore support free speech 100% but as far as direct threats of violence goes, the law should protect the specific victims as to avoid likely and foreseeable tragedies.

Hi

Here's what Penn had to say in response to your question:

"There is a line to cross there, but I put that line way way further than most others. But, I think there might be line. And I think I might be able to be talked out of there being any line."

Sincerely,
Audrey



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With threats, I think the line lies where your life of the lives of others seems to be in immediate danger. If the guy has a gun and points it towards you and say that he is going to kill you, you are definitely allowed to protect yourself.

I think it was described as calling someone names everyday.

Threatening force is effectively using force. If I say, "Give me your money, or I'll shoot you," that should be illegal.

If the government says, "Give me your money, or we'll send armed thugs to your house, " that should ALSO be illegal!


--Paul

Agreed.