A friend of ours used to set up his "free speech" display here in town over 100 days a year, and always got a rather mixed range of responses. One of the discussions we'd often get into was was the one of how "freedom of speech" is a great ideal but most "freedom absolutists" aren't that willing to accept that the package doesn't include "freedom from consequences."

In his case, he ended up with a heap of trouble because he felt that his freedom of speech somehow superceded a city ordinance on how much space any kind of busker/vendor can take up without a permit. The court disagreed.

Choices always have consequences, whether they are legislated or simply part of being alive.

A post well worth recycling!