Good Gentlefolk of This Esteemed Assembly,

I do hope this humble message finds you in both fine health and high spirits. I beg your indulgence, as I venture to expound upon a matter of grave import and delicate constitution—namely, the sacred liberty of free speech and the perplexities which arise when said liberty doth encounter utterances deemed hateful or injurious to the public peace.

In these latter days, it doth appear a growing number of our compatriots, in earnest pursuit of virtue and civility, have taken to curbing certain forms of discourse, alleging that such expressions carry within them the seeds of harm, discord, or hatred. And whilst I commend the noble desire to protect the vulnerable and maintain social harmony, I must, with all due reverence, express a measure of disquiet at the prospect of such curtailments becoming commonplace.

Free expression, though oftentimes vexing and disagreeable, hath long been the cornerstone of any just republic. 'Tis the lamp by which the citizen finds his path through the darkened corridors of tyranny and deceit. When speech is stifled, even with good intention, one must ask—who shall be the arbiter of offense, and by what measure shall the truth be judged?

Shall we not risk, in silencing the wicked, also stifling the just? For history hath taught us that censors, though cloaked in the mantle of righteousness, may err as grievously as those they seek to silence.

Might it not be wiser, then, to allow speech—aye, even that which offends—and answer it with stronger, truer speech? Let ideas clash, that the better may prevail. Let error be exposed not by muzzle, but by open contest in the public square.

I tender these thoughts not as final decree, but as humble entreaty for discussion. Should any soul of sharp wit and gentle heart find fault with my reasoning, I welcome your correction with the greatest gratitude.

  • Alice
    shield
    MA
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    2 days ago

    PLEASE READ COMMUNITY RULES BEFORE COMMENTING

    Rules: Polite Language Only: All posts and comments must be written in extremely polite, formal language, akin to 1800s etiquette.

    No Modern Slang or Cuss Words: Any use of modern slang, cuss words, or informal language results in a warning or temporary ban.

    Respectful Insults: You can insult or criticize, but it must be done in the most respectful and formal way possible.

    Enforcement: A point system is used for rule violations, by accumulating a total of 3 infractions resulting in a temporary ban (e.g., three strikes and you’re out for a week).

    Examples:

    Proper Critique: "My dear sir, it appears your argument lacks the necessary foundation in empirical evidence, and I must respectfully disagree with your conclusion."Polite Insult: “Madam, with all due respect, your assertion is as misguided as it is ill-informed.”

    Polite Insult: “Madam, with all due respect, your assertion is as misguided as it is ill-informed.”

    • ClanOfTheOcho@lemmy.world
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      2 days ago

      Dear sir and/or madam. The repitivity seen in your examples section, with particular regards to the formation of societally acceptable denigration, should be addressed with all due and proper haste. Respectfully your, et. et. et.