Originally Posted by
sbrower
There are a few things that make us different from other countries. Some of the most fundamental principles are those contained in the Constitution (including the amendments thereto). For anyone to imply that First Amendment rights should be limited or dismissed or treated as trivial is, in my view, arguably anti-American. I don't know of any country in the world, with or without a First Amendment, where you can't say "Pardon me, but if it would not be too much of a bother, would you kindly let me know where the privy is located?" However, I know of only one country where the highest court in the country has taken the time to say that you can enter a courthouse wearing a shirt saying "F..k the Draft" because that is an expression of sentiment, not an obscene use of language.
You misunderstand the First Amendment. You have a fundamental right to express your opinion. However, if 99% of the world calls you a jerk because of your expression of your right, you don't have a complaint as they are also expressing their fundamental right. There is no First amendment right to say what one wants to say without being called names or otherwise being criticized for what was said.