"Freedom Of Speech", A Political Science Lesson by BR Options

[Bionicle Rex]

Lately I’ve been observing many members claiming, “BZPower doesn’t have the right to limit my freedom of speech!” “You can’t do that because of my freedom of speech” “That’s not fair, I have freedom of speech!”

I’m going to address the issue here, and I hope you will learn something here that will help you get an A on a term paper some day.

The freedom of Speech that all Americans enjoy is rooted in the fundamental belief that man should be free from oppression put forth by government. That sprit has forever been in the soul of man, and has revealed itself in the Constitution of the United States.

Amendment I (1791) of the United States Constitution states the following in terms of freedom of speech:

“Congress shall make no law…abridging the freedom of speech”

That’s cool. That’s a good thing. That means that you can stand in front of the congress, yell out that you think Tom Daschle (the Senate Minority leader) is a moron, and nobody can do anything to you.

However, you can’t do that on BZP. Here’s why:

The first amendment of the constitution only protects you against infringes on your freedom of speech on the part of the government (Congress). It makes no reference to private organizations, such as BZP.

The courts have determined that people are free to set their own guidelines in terms of freedom of speech on their property. For example, you take a friend home from school and your friend walks in your house and calls your sister an ugly goat. Your parents have the right to tell him to stop. If he doesn’t stop, your parents have the right to throw your friend out of the house. They own the property; they set the rules. Freedom of speech has no relevance.

It’s the situation here at BZP. People are invited to enjoy BZP as long as they follow our rules of conduct, ie the BZP Forum Guidelines & Rules, the Reference Desk, and all guidelines held in the tradition of BZPower decorum. If those guidelines are violated, you may not be welcome here at BZPower anymore. In essence, we kicked you out of our house. BZPower is private property that belongs to the three Admins (Bink, D and myself) and we have the right to prohibit anything and everything, including speech, religion, and whatever else we feel is necessary for the good of the membership body.

To recap: The United States Constitution grants you freedom of speech in terms of freedom not being prohibited by the government. It does not apply to private property such as BZPower. BZP can and does limit freedom of speech and other freedoms for the common good of all members. Such is the trademark of civilized society, and it will continue as long as it is necessary.