Genuine question here, are there ANY limitations on free speech in the US? Here in the UK we do have exceptions. (Not talking about slander and libel.)  For example, people cannot openly provoke racial aggression or violence. So someone standing on a street corner saying that all (insert whichever race) are sub-human and should be so treated, would be moved on and, at the extreme, if they refused to stop would in the end be arrested. That would be a last resort.

But I once read that somewhere in the US, a KKK meeting had gone ahead because to stop them would infringe their right to free speech. Is that correct?

Well put and terrific statement of position! I'm in agreement.

I suppose the only piece I would add is that the level of free speech allowed needs to depend on the cir****tances and place and purpose intended. For instance, I have the right to call the rules in my home, or determine the the agreements for a group I facilitate or lead in order for the space to be workable for the majority of the members in providing safety or supporting the purpose of the group. We do have the freedom of beliefs and debate, and we have the right to defend our position as well as be a stand for it.

Interesting website re: the legal limits of freedom of speech: http://www.freedomforum.org/packages/first/curricula/educati onforfreedom/supportpages/L04-LimitsFreedomSpeech.htm

Or Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_speech

The most important thing I have learned from traveling in other parts of the world is a profound appreciation for the freedoms we have here in the US. 

Hey, not bad for just getting out of bed this morning!

I had mono several times in my teens. I was burning the candle at both ends, attending school, working 30+ hours a week and well being a teenager. I got very little sleep. The doctor didn't tell me to take any vitamins but he did get on me to get 8 hours of sleep a night. He said being tired and run down made me more likely to get it.

Kate feel free to click the link and see that the USA is a republic. :D

Anne, I'll be totally honest here and give it to you bluntly: My position is basically that people can say what they want, as long as the "owner" of whatever space they're speaking in agrees that what they've said is acceptable. However, that means that others are also free to make their own comments about the original speech. As the cartoon says, "The 1st Amendment doesn't shield you from criticism or consequences." (Boldface mine.) So while someone may feel comfortable speaking their mind, it's ridiculous for them to get up in arms if other people come along and say "I think that's a dumb/wrong/offensive thing to say."

Personally, I have no problem with people speaking their minds (although others may disagree.) I may have some criticism of their comments, but unless their speech is outrageously inflammatory in some way (racist, inciting to violence, etc.) that doesn't generally change my opinion of a person or my willingness to continue dialog with them. I think many people have learned that I'm a big fan of being civil in terms of online discourse, so I don't care for those who immediately jump to take offense when someone criticizes their statements, but that doesn't mean I think they're horrible people. I simply try to treat (almost) everyone with respect in my statements and ask the same of them.

I hope that answers your question.