[WMarshal]

Are you sure that Freerepublic is the place for you? You have seen what can happen to even billionaires (Sterling sound familiar?) when he speaks unfiltered what he thinks in his own castle. Employers and activists are already searching Facebook and social media sites on witchhunts for people. What do you think it will be like when every web comment is public, no matter how reasonable or well-thought out? How do you like to be denied a job, contract, or place to live based on what you commented on the Internet. It comments are made public then only the popular or government approved opinions will be expressed - end of story.

[Riflema]

Yes I get that, believe me. But why does no-one understand the huge difference between expression of opinion/beliefs and statements of facts?.

Again, what gives additional protection to a statement of fact published here, as opposed to, say, on a billboard, in a newspaper or book? Is there some law I have not seen that says you can say anything about anyone without recourse?

Regards your concern about social media, please get real: everything you publish or transmit should be considered public. Best not to say anything there you would not want published on the front page next day.

Oh, and by the way, I am free to deny anyone a job interview if they posted crap on DU or HuffPo. So are you

[Riflema]

Regarding FR, I thought it was a place for mature adults who can behave as such, and would understand a little unsolicited advice, e.g., do not say foolish things to your mistress' tape recorder; do not publish pix of your privates on any electronic medium; do not libel people in any permanent form.

By all means, express all the opinions you like, but if they're half-@ssed or reflect badly on you, live with the consequences.

I guess, in short, take ink-stained wretch Howie Carr's well worn advice: "don't say anything you wouldn't want to see quoted on the front page next morning".