FREEDOM OF SPEECH

Pakistan recently blocked Youtube because of its unfavorable treatment of Islam. They are insisting that Youtube remove the offensive videos. Go here to read the CNN report. We know that many nations limit the free speech of the citizens within their borders. Do they also have a right to extend those restrictions to citizens of other nations?

What about in conversation with others? Do we have a responsibility to temper our free speech if we know it will be offensive? For example, if I enter a room of smokers, should I refrain from expounding on the dangers of smoking? I could go on quite a tirade, but would it be advisable? Wouldn't it be better to vent my opinion in a public forum that is not as confrontational?

Perhaps there is a time to remain quiet, and a time to speak out. I believe Youtube is the perfect medium for speaking out. It allows for the sharing of ideas that may not be accepted by all. If we are talking face to face, there are acceptable standards of respect and tolerance. However, if the public forum is silenced, we all suffer.

I see it as a clash of cultures. I was raised with visions of Patrick Henry shouting, "Give me liberty, or give me death." An Islamic culture is totally different, and I would like to see your comments about how their values are in conflict with ours.

ENTITLEMENTS

I think I've figured out why I don't like the fast food advertisement, "You deserve a break today." It is telling me that they have decided I need a break, and not only that, but I deserve it. For some reason I resent their feeble attempt at mind control. I feel the same way about the multitude of new car advertisements. I don't even want a car, but they assume I would sell my soul to get one. Well, not my soul, but maybe submit to car payments for the next five years. The appeal is to what I think I deserve, or what I think I am entitled to. It's an attempt, as we all know, to sow seeds of discontent.

What am I really entitled to? We all have basic needs, such as shelter, food, and clothing. Am I entitled to the basics? If so, what entitles me to them? Do I have some sort of noble blood running through my veins that makes me more deserving than someone else? Do I deserve it because I have a job and can buy it if I choose? Am I entitled to something if I can't afford it? That's an argument politicians use all the time to push their favorite social programs.

How about if we reverse the question? Instead of asking what I deserve, what if we asked what others deserve? What if all advertising was focused on challenging the audience to think what they could do for others? Would it still be advertising? Would I buy my friend a car, knowing that my neighbor would be buying one for me? I doubt that approach would work at all.

What about little entitlements? Am I entitled to a hot meal when I come home? Am I entitled to be treated with respect and honesty? Do I deserve a cup of good coffee in the morning? The list is endless. Have you ever heard someone ask, "What have I done to deserve this?" The question implies that good behavior entitles us to rewards. God is watching and will zap you if you do wrong, and reward you with good things if you live right.

Do you have an unwritten list of entitlements? What do you deserve? I'm wondering if I am entitled to anything at all. Wouldn't I be better off if I didn't have any expectations, and then was grateful when something does go right?