“So it’s Friday Lucy. What should we do?”
“How about what we always do.”
“What’s that?”
“Run around like a couple of nut cases and then take a nap.”
“Works for me. You ready? I’ll give you to three.”
Well, here we are, starting day three of the new administration. As I float around the blogs, I see some of those who worked themselves into a frenzy regarding Trump are now writing hate-filled posts about a few in Washington who have a question about the new direction.
I have to wonder why the name-calling and vitriol on these blogs. I was personally looking forward to seeing that kind of behavior stop once Trump was gone. The continued hate-filled sentiments against anyone who is not in favor of the current administration’s expressed plan is exactly what President Biden asked us not to do. Come on, folks, Trump’s team was defeated. Give it a rest. Because folks don’t agree with you, it doesn’t make them any less American for expressing their views. That is unless you want to live in an environment where all opposing views are stifled. Do you? If so, be careful what you wish.
Today’s John Ku talks about free speech. I hope you all have a great weekend.
Free Speech by John W. Howell © 2021
Is free speech defined,
Within how much you agree?
Or is it all speech?
Fiction Favorites 
Someone once said that talk is cheap… but it can also cost lives…
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Very true. Thanks, Jaye.
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Free speech is priceless. Let’s all be careful we don’t destroy that. Sometimes, folks just need to agree to disagree and leave it at that.
Wonderful Haiku, John. Hope you and the girls have a peaceful weekend 🙂
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You as well, Harmony. Thank you 😁
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The right to free speech is like all rights: it comes with responsibilities and should be exercised with respect. That’s the only way civilised societies can function. The alternative is anarchy.
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We have been close to anarchy so I totally agree with you. Thanks.
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Fantastic JohnKu, John. I don’t think people realize what’s happening with our right to free speech. Oh…to live the carefree life of Lucy and Twiggy! Wishing you all a peaceful weekend. xo
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Yes Lucy and Twiggy are protected and I’m so glad they are. Thanks, Jill.
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The nastiness that prevails these days in so many forums is exhausting. I find myself reducing my intake more and more, just to shield myself from the vitriol. It’s a sad state of affairs, and it’s going to take a concerted effort by everyone to move the needle. As my mother often said, “If you can’t say anything nice….”
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I agree, Lori. I thought once Trump left office the noise level would drop. I think it has to some extent but there are still those people shouting and name calling. For the most part I try to ignore them but sometimes it becomes hard to do. I think this is going to be my last post on the subject. It wears me out as well. Thank you for your comment.
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Your post is right-on, John, and your haiku brilliant. If only people would pause and think about consequences. If we give up free speech, we give up democracy. As Harmony mentioned, sometimes we just need to agree to disagree. 🙂
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For the last four years agree to disagree has not been an active principle in this country. Leaders of both sides engaged in nastiness unprecedented in modern history. I see the nastiness continue and now believe it is a habit that needs to be broken. I don’t know how that can be done other than calling out the side that won and asking them to stand down. Our history has been one of benevolence to those we have vanquished. Why not in our own country? Thank you for the comment. 😊
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I haven’t seen the hate-filled speech you’re referring to, and I’m saddened to hear that it’s happening.
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Maybe you aren’t following the same blogs. Lucky you. 😁
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🙂
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Thank you, John!! I have taken to just avoiding any post that goes with the politics theme. Jumping on the bandwagon doesn’t make anyone a free-thinking American.
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I agree with you. I have stopped commenting on them over a year ago since it leads to nowhere. I only check them to see if there has been any cessation of hostilities. A lot have backed off but there are still some very active. Thanks, GP.
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Good message, John. I hope it sinks in. Maybe with time.
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Gotta hope so. I’m so tired of the half empty view of live.
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Me too!
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Unity is good. Unity doesn’t mean total agreement.
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I think some are confused about that, Linda. Thank you.
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So many of those posts are serving to drive us even farther apart. Many of us retreat into our shells and avoid the whole thing. Maybe I’ll try running around like a nutcase, then taking a nap.
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A hut case run is good for the soul. Watch the furniture legs though. A nut case run that ends with a stubbed toe is not very satisfying. Thanks, Craig. 😁
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Sounds like the voice of experience.
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Yeah I do it all the time. 😁
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There are still plenty of media sites radio, tv, cable, and internet pumping out the lies. We had four years of ‘fake news’. And that narrative still exists. Even fact checking sites are dismissed. Just like the virus will not magically go away we need to work to bring the truth back into the narrative. How we will slow and still the hate and lies remains a real problem. Silence and wishful thinking is not an option. Attempting civil debate and calling out un-truths may be a starting point. Painful yes. Futile – we will never know unless we try.
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Good point, John
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Thank you, John, for bringing up this important topic. Too much anger out there.
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Thank you, Barbara.
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I haven’t seen any of these posts – but then again, if I catch even a whiff of them I head in the other direction. Life is too short for so much hatred. Have a great weekend, John!
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I agree, Teri.
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Very thought-provoking haiku. Well done! It’s a sad state of affairs. After all, unity will occur only between those who are willing.
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Yup. It would be good if everyone thought in advance about how their words will resonate there might be hope. probabily not going to happen.
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Bravo to you, John. There comes a point where those who spew vitriol day and day out get dropped out of my circle. I don’t have time to give to those people. I choose to fill my feed with positive.
And you’re right, of course. How the hell do you want to create change if you don’t modify your behaviour (speaking of those who have already begun bitching about the new administration, of course).
Have a splendiferous Friday, my friend!
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Yeah both sides need to chill. Thanks, Dale.
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Absolutely!! Breathe, people! Give the new guy a chance to sit in his new chair already…
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😁
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Honestly, I think it’s expected. Trump wasn’t the only divisive figure. There were many hiding behind his bluster and they’re still around. Only they don’t have him as a shield as they continue doing what people hated. Add into this that they are calling for unity while doing these things that divide.
Just from my generation’s perspective, we’ve seen this before. A call for unity from the side that said ‘fuck your feelings’ while they had power and now ask for peace when they’re no longer in charge. We feel like we fell for it before and got screwed. It’s very much like the supervillain being evil and selfish then crying for mercy when cornered. That tends to be a ploy and they try to attack. At least for my generation and younger, we’re tired of that cycle.
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I can understand that feeling too, Charles. I guess it will not be easy.
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It won’t. I think there’s a lot more to do to bring people together. Trump and his inner circle were really only part of it.
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Bravo John! I wish you could hear me applauding from miles away.
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I do, Mark. Thanks.
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I thought all the hate would stop once Trump left office but I guess it’s lie a dog with a bone.
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I hope it stops on both sides
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I try to avoid political banter with either side. It would be one thing if we could have intelligent, open discussions, agree to disagree, and go away still friends. Sadly, too often these days, that’s not the case. I distance myself from the anger and meanness so I can protect my inner peace and joy.
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I agree with you, Debbie. This will be my last post on the subject. 😁
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I guess, as with many things, it’s going to take time for our nation to heal. I avoid political topics on social media because there doesn’t seem to be middle ground. So many have said it so well in the comments here. I keep praying for peace and healing, and in the meantime, I steer clear of the nastiness!
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Good for you, Mae. You don’t deserve to have to deal with that. Come to think of it, None of us do. Have a super weekend. 😁
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Well-said, John. If the hate doesn’t stop, we are doomed as a nation. Thank you for this thoughtful JohnKu. Happy Friday!
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Thank you, Jan. Happy Friday to you. 😁
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I get it John. It’s time for people to put their filters back in place. Many have gotten used to saying whatever pops into their head.
I admit it’s difficult. A long time friend whom I *thought* was moderate, regardless of political party, “drank the cool-aid” about COVID19, and believes it’s all false. It’s hard to keep a level head and a civil tongue when that kind of talk unexpectedly pops up.
We have a long way to go, before we get back on an even keel in dealing with one another. We don’t simply have to be civil… we have to stop and think before expressing polarizing or radical opinions. In my opinion.
Stay happy and sassy, my friend. Hugs!
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Great advice, Teagan. If people would just think about how they sound to normal folk they might try a filter. Hugs and have a super weekend.
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There are times when the feeling of helplessness silences even the most provocative and heartfelt thinkers…then, the sun rises the next morning to the natural aura of hope.
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Yes we need to give thanks for the start over effect of a new day. And for MM and Willett.
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Americans need to stop bickering amongst each other and focus on the real threat – China.
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I totally agree, Guy. Have a great weekend. That was one thing Trump seemed to understand. Not sure Joe is up to speed on that.
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I’m all for free speech but have grown weary of all the free hate. Great post. Have a peaceful weekend!
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Free hate is a perfect description, Denise. I’m with you.
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Some people will be complaining miserably for the next four years. I applaud those who are willing to give the administration a chance; I will avoid those that don’t.
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Yeah good advice, Jo. Happy weekend. 😁
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Well said John.. we have bigger things to worry about right now and the health and safety of all our citizens irrespective of country is the priority. To be honest on Wednesday I gave a huge sigh of relief as it has weighed on us all not just Americans. Let’s give peace a chance as they say…hugsx
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The tension around the previous administration was intense for sure. Speaking for those who never voted for him, we are glad you can relax.
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hugsxx
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It’s been this way for years now, and truthfully I see many of the same things from the democrats. What happened to debate?
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Their is no debate anty longer. Name calling is the norm. Thanks, Marc
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Name calling, blame shifting, finger pointing . . . So sad the process.
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I agree. 😊
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Lucy & Twiggy chasing after Friday & the new life. 🙂 🙂 🙂 May it be a better time for all of us, dear John!
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Let’s hope, Maria. 🤗
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🥂 1923 must return back in 2021, dear John!
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I think we may be headed that way, Maria. At least between you and I. Maybe the world can follow. 🥂
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Brilliant, dear John! Done! It might be a great break through! Here in Russia people are obsessed with 1984, while we will follow our own path of joy & peace along 1923! 😁😊
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I hear of protests over the jailing of Alexei Navalny. Are you staying safe?
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That’s very kind of you, dear John! Oh, these “protests” are much ado about nothing. Besides, this Navalny is a criminal…So, it is too exaggerated in the Mass Media. Thank you for your care! 😊😉
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Well that is good to know. 😊
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1923- Good stories never end!
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So True.
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Great Johnku! Some people just don’t know when they’ve won. I just want a little peace.
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A whole bunch of us want peace, Vashti. Thank you. 😁
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I haven’t seen the same level of vitriol, and I’m glad because that level of discourse leads to anger and chaos. In most of the blogs I follow, people are generally kind and respectful to one another, though I suspected not that much would change on television.
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MOst of the posts that I have seen have a level of followers who do not disagree with the host so there are no arguments in the comments. The host statements are my concern. Thanks, Pete. 😊
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Gotcha—the tribal philosophy that is pervasive on both sides of the political aisle. I do a lot of channel flipping when watching political shows these days as they tend to be so biased.
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Sadly, you have to dig for acurate news. At least now all the media folks will be behind Biden except Fox. So, whatever the administration wants portrayed will get air time.
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This may be of interest. It’s a recent debate at Cambridge University about whether speakers should automatically be given respect or whether they should be tolerated. https://www.cambridgeindependent.co.uk/news/university-of-cambridge-free-speech-vote-tolerance-wins-over-respect-9144582/ happily tolerance rather than respect won. Respect is earned, not an automatic right or you curtail free speech completely
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Thank you, Geoff. I’m afraid American universitys have gone the “respect” route in line with the general leftest view of the facility. Thank you for sending this article and bravo to Cambridge.
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In the US, you are free to say whatever you want. You are not, however, free from the consequences of what you say.
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Well said, Don. 😊
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Amen! We are lucky to have freedom of speech. Let’s use our freedoms wisely.
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I agree, Jennie. Thanks.
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You’re welcome, John.
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Some people are actually sobbing in disappointment. I read it may be a lack of local newspapers these days. Did these people never learn we don’t always get what we want. I wonder if some are suffering from dementia. My daughter had cried when Trump won and I told her we’d live through it. Of course, I might have cried if I’d known what was ahead. 😀 — Suzanne
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Hahaha. Yeah, folks need to get a grip and start to become voices of positive energy. Thanks Suzanne. 😁
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Well, back to my routine of reading your Friday post on Sunday 😉 But such a good post, John! I embrace this sentiment: “Because folks don’t agree with you, it doesn’t make them any less American for expressing their views.” I have a very faded bumper sticker that says, “I don’t have to like Bush to love America.” I didn’t like George W. Bush as president. I was very unhappy with the circumstances and even protested against some of his policies. When he won a 2nd term, I was like, “Dang it!” But he was my president whether I liked it or not. I exercised my right to disagree with him, but was always grateful for that right. It never would have occurred to me to consider overthrowing or supporting an overthrow of the Bush Administration. That’s just crazy.
I truly appreciated how he joined with Presidents Clinton and Obama to speak on the importance and value of a peaceful transition.
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The last guy was bankrupt, Marie. I’m glad he is gone.
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Me too, John, except that he’s settled in Florida 😬
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Stay away from there. 😊
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No worries about that 😅
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😁
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