I can't quite agree with the above statements. Whether something is free speech or just obscenity is a matter of personal opinion and (far more important) cultural background. What is obscenity to you can be just plain simple free speech to someone else. I can still remember the hassle around the muhammed cartoons in Denmark. It was free speech to the Danish, but an obscenity according to (some, most, all) muslims. In the latter case the boundary between "obscene" and "free" speech is defined through cultural background. Who is to say who was right? or wrong? Opinions will differ, as do cultures. Cultures may change. Topless bathing is considered obscene in one culture, and is accepted behavior in another. Who has the right to enforce his view upon others? and censorship can quickly lead to that. Where to draw the line?

So, there is no such such thing as an "universal" obscenity. It's a matter of culture and beliefs. And I still believe that free speech is what it is, free, uncensored speech. No censorship means no censorship, nothing, never, ever. Because, how much I may dislike what the other is saying, it is free speech, and the fact that he can say things I dislike that will also protect my right to say what others may dislike, hate or find obscene, but to me are just "free speech".

just my EUR .02

regards

Patrick