It was determined that people should not be allowed to shout "FIRE" in a crowded theater. It's not allowed to make idle threats against the government or government officials. In the wake of 9/11/2001, it was not allowed to make idle comments about bombs on airplanes or in buildings. I guess there are some limitations on "free speech".

I rather wish it were illegal to do such things as those to which Jez has referred, e.g. the comments about burning the Qoran, etc. but it's not. In general, blatant stupidity should probably be disallowed, but that would put so many businesses out of business ... after all, who would buy products that don't work properly just because they're "kewl"? Only the ultra-stupid do that.

The real fact, is that Americans have been giving offense around the world for as long as anyone can remember. They don't behave as people in civilized countries. They don't attempt to learn about the language and culture of people in countries they plan to visit, nor do they take the culture of people visiting from other places into consideration when they visit here. Do we benefit from protecting such behavior? Well, if there were no debate about that, there would probably be restrictions. Those of us who live here have at least two choices. We can put up with it, or we can leave.

RE