[xm177e2]

Freedom of speech does NOT include the right to shout other people down.

[prion]

Freedom of speech does NOT include the right to shout other people down.

You're absolutely right. But the options for putting it right do NOT include a flying tackle from behind.

[BushWonGore'sDone]

Hecklers are generally ushered out of the room by authorities. I can't tell you how many cases where a person in a fit of anger lashes out to another and inadvertently causes a fall resulting in head injuries, breaks and brain damage with several instances of death. Not everyone at political rallies are equipped for wrestling matches. I think the Larouche guy may have promising suit.

[FBD]

"Freedom of speech does NOT include the right to shout other people down."

Freedom of speech also does NOT include the right to knock other people down.

Franken could well be looking at assault charges, a civil lawsuit, or (hopefully) both.

[Hodar]

Freedom of speech does NOT include the right to shout other people down.

And where is that written? Do you have any sources, or is that simply your opinion? Now, it is bad manners to shout someone down, and hecklers are usually ushered out of places by security for doing this. However, assault and battery are crimes. Simply put, the heckler was rude, but his actions certainly did not justify an attack; any more than any other protester is worthy of assualt and battery.

I wonder what would happen if a popular Right wing supporter did exactly the same thing to a heckler at a Bush speech. Firstly, the Righ Wing supporter's actions would be condemned by President Bush. And this would be public, and it would be LOUD. Have you heard anything from the Dean camp about 'their guy' assualting a protester? Secondly, the Right Wing supporter would be sued for millions. So, let's wait and see what happens.

[yooper]

"Freedom of speech does NOT include the right to shout other people down."

Certainly it does. Could you list a constitutional source for that statement, or a precedent setting legal case?

I come from a family of Italians where the winner of an argument is usually the one who shouts the loudest. Its a good system since the more vocal shouter usually has superior facts on his side; if he didn't, he wouldn't be shouting in the first place. I might also point out that shouting down an opponent is SOP in many parliaments and our own congress here in the US.