Limiting Free Speech

"Freedom of expression must include the right to offend." This is the proposition that formed the basis for a debate among six speakers (journalists, professors and activists) who came together in New York City on October 18, and which is available here (10/26/06 - 53:00). The debate was part of the series Intelligence Squared, which is produced by WNYC and is based on a similar series that began in London in 2002. One can get a gist of the debate by reading the commentary and listening to the six excerpts.

Musings

• Early on we learn that the audience was polled about their opinion before the debate. Why is it not a surprise to learn that they were overwhelmingly in support of the proposition?
  
  
• Maybe the proposition was poorly worded since Americans people are going to support strict limits on free speech. perhaps a better proposition would deal with the question of their ever being a need for any limitations on free speech, any need ever to curb what people can say, or when or where they say it.