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"If those laws come up, then it's a Free Speech issue. If the media expresses an opinion about something, it may be repugnant, but again, it's not a Free Speech issue. This Ann Coulter flap has absolutley nothing to do with Free Speech."

I love ignorance parading as authority.

Freedom of speech is the concept of the inherent human right to voice one's opinion publicly without fear of censorship or punishment.

That doesn't mean that the only limits to free speech can come from the United States government -- which is prohibited by the US Constitution from doing the same.

There are plenty of other ways in which "free speech" can be limited or punished apart from the US government -- or any government.

Ever hear of the Spanish Inquisition? The Hayes Code? Political correctness?

Hell yeah it's a free speech issue. Coulter's joke was about how political correctness is destroying free speech.

Call someone a schoolyard taunt, and you have to go into rehab or lose your job -- even your career.

And of course her joke has been proved highly accurate by the response it has gotten -- from boneheads like you.

Wake the hell up.

Freedom of speech is the concept of the inherent human right to voice one's opinion publicly without fear of censorship or punishment.

Well, if you look at it like that, sure. I was referring to Freedom of Speech as defined by American law, not the overall concept. Which means that it's the the concept of the inherent human right to voice one's opinion publicly without fear of censorship or punishment from the government. Any other punishment - losing her job, losing her credibiliy, whatever, has nothing to do with the government. And therefore, as far as I'm concerned, has nothing to do with Free Speech. Again, I am looking at it from a legal point of view - otherwise, you could just as easily say that the Dixie Chicks were denied Free Speech rights by Clear Channel.

And of course her joke has been proved highly accurate by the response it has gotten -- from boneheads like you.

Nice insult. When all else fails, resort to ad hominem, huh? It's a shame you can't debate in a civilized manner, but hey, there you are. If JR decides to ban you from the forum (I didn't complain, btw) for inappropriate posting, it wouldn't be a Free Speech issue either. Maybe you can point to the response that I gave that makes her joke "proved highly accurate." How about it? Hint: She can say what she likes. People can choose to hire her if they like. The government isn't enforcing political correctness - so again, it's not a Free Speech issue.