“Freedom of speech means that you shall not do something to people either for the views they have, or the views they express, or the words they speak or write.”

Very good. I love your quotes. I am trying to find LORD DENNINGS, but you do not have. Thanks.

Unless of course the words they write become ridiculous laws that limit my freedoms and steal from my wallet...for no good reason other than theft and control....like we have today! ;-)

Zero stars once again, though not because of error found in Justice Black's definition of free speech. Zero because modern existential reality in the U.S is so far removed from his expressed sentiment. In whatever forum he spoke/published these words, one may be certain he wasn't describing an "unalienable" right found exclusively in a court or cop-designated "Free Speech Zone." The freedom he describes was/is intended by the Founders and Constitution to be the RULE in the entire US of A for all time. This freedom DOES NOT exist here any longer, any more than one's right to be, " ... secure in their (physical body) persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures..." is. Absent the SOVEREIGNTY of personal being and property in lieu of a lawful warrant, TYRANNY RULES. This is a demonstrable, undeniable truth standing alone through the all known ages of human history. It remains the rule in police state America right now and no amount of compulsory Super Bowl Star Spangled Banner singing, Blue Angel air shows, 4th of July parades, NCIS episodes or any other form of Fascist display in a nation that's lost faith in itself is going to change it.

Not shooting the messenger, well said Carlton and Mann. The here terse excerpt is accurate as far as it goes. What is not said is often as important as is that which is said. Again, the ole adage comes to mind, 'the devil will tell you a thousand truths to make you believe one lie.'

Totally wrong! All the First Amendment says is that you can't use government to retaliate. Individuals can certainly respond. Others have freedom of speech too.

In a society shorn of its civility, Virtuous freedom of expression is an impossibility, essentially.

I'm with Carlton on this one.