When is Free Speech Punishable?

Since the introduction of social media, expressing ones opinions has taken on a new level. With web sites such as Twitter and Facebook, the every day American can voice their opinion for the world to see. While some posts are informative, others are used to vent their frustration. Take for example David W. Guth, he is a professor of journalism at the University of Kansas. Shortly after the navy yards shooting he tweeted “blood is on the hands of the #NRA. Next time, let it be YOUR sons and daughters.” Because of the nature of this tweet, and the position that Guth is in, “Kansas legislators are calling for him to lose his job.” (firstamendmentcenter) According to the First Amendment, Guth has every right to tweet whatever he wants.

            If this had been any other individual who was not in a position such as Guth, the message may have went by with little to no media attention. However since Guth is a professor at a University, his position is looked at differently. This tweet has resulted in the University to take damage control actions and distancing themselves from Guth. “While the First Amendment allows anyone to express an opinion, that privilege is not absolute and must be balanced with the rights of others. That’s vital to civil discourse” (NBC News) I do not agree with this statement. Just because Guth’s tweet offended people, does not make it worthy of punishment.

            I believe what makes this tweet so controversial is not necessarily his standpoint on the Second Amendment, but when he writes to let the next attack be on the NRA’s sons and daughters. Although not a direct threat to the NRA, it was written in poor taste from someone in his position. I am by no means defending his tweet, as I believe it was not the wisest thing to put. However there was no criminal intent in his tweet. I believe that this issue is a good learning lesson for America. The lesson is even though speech like this, which can be viewed as hateful speech; happens, we must as a country stand behind our principles and not let emotions cloud our judgment.