There is a lot of debate about "Censoring Conservative Viewpoints" on internet forums but such a thing is, believe it or not, really not happening to any great degree.
However, some self-described "Conservatives" like to pretend otherwise. They complain and gripe when their viewpoints are censored or posts/threads removed.
The issue is there is a huge difference between a valid conservative viewpoint and a sociopathic one. And a huge difference between a social conservatism and hate speech.
Let me give you some examples here:
"Lowering the tax burden on the wealthy and corporations will empower them to create jobs that benefit everyone." This is a conservative viewpoint. I'm not going to argue the merits or flaws of this argument, it isn't the point.
"GLBT people are a plague on society and need to be rounded up." This is hate speech. It is calling for a violent persecution of a group of people.
"My religion teaches that homosexuality is a sin." A conservative viewpoint. Fair enough, if this is what your religion teaches you, you have a right to think this and express it. You do NOT, however, have a right to be a self-appointed vigilante and begin persecuting people on that account.
Or, "(name of politician) needs to be kidnapped and executed" Sociopathic view, promoting violence and disrespect for the law. Or (name of criminal) should be exonerated and set free." If said criminal has committed a crime, then in a lawful society that person should face consequences. Otherwise, it's not a lawful society, and by defending the actions of a criminal you are on a slippery slope towards sociopathic views.
"Affirmative action and racial quotas may force employers to give less qualified people a job over more qualified people." That's debatable but nonetheless, a valid conservative viewpoint, remember I'm not here to debate these points.
On the other hand:
"The concept of racial equality is Marxist." This is hate speech. You are promoting a divisive and racist agenda and preying on people's irrational fears of Marxism to foster intolerance and persecution of racial minorities.
I know the more intelligent people can tell the difference between hate speech, sociopathic views and valid conservative talking points, but I think we need to set the record straight on bhalf of those who cannot tell the difference.
Forums should have a right to censor hate speech and sociopathic views. This is not the same as censoring conservative views; that is the point.
However, some self-described "Conservatives" like to pretend otherwise. They complain and gripe when their viewpoints are censored or posts/threads removed.
The issue is there is a huge difference between a valid conservative viewpoint and a sociopathic one. And a huge difference between a social conservatism and hate speech.
Let me give you some examples here:
"Lowering the tax burden on the wealthy and corporations will empower them to create jobs that benefit everyone." This is a conservative viewpoint. I'm not going to argue the merits or flaws of this argument, it isn't the point.
"GLBT people are a plague on society and need to be rounded up." This is hate speech. It is calling for a violent persecution of a group of people.
"My religion teaches that homosexuality is a sin." A conservative viewpoint. Fair enough, if this is what your religion teaches you, you have a right to think this and express it. You do NOT, however, have a right to be a self-appointed vigilante and begin persecuting people on that account.
Or, "(name of politician) needs to be kidnapped and executed" Sociopathic view, promoting violence and disrespect for the law. Or (name of criminal) should be exonerated and set free." If said criminal has committed a crime, then in a lawful society that person should face consequences. Otherwise, it's not a lawful society, and by defending the actions of a criminal you are on a slippery slope towards sociopathic views.
"Affirmative action and racial quotas may force employers to give less qualified people a job over more qualified people." That's debatable but nonetheless, a valid conservative viewpoint, remember I'm not here to debate these points.
On the other hand:
"The concept of racial equality is Marxist." This is hate speech. You are promoting a divisive and racist agenda and preying on people's irrational fears of Marxism to foster intolerance and persecution of racial minorities.
I know the more intelligent people can tell the difference between hate speech, sociopathic views and valid conservative talking points, but I think we need to set the record straight on bhalf of those who cannot tell the difference.
Forums should have a right to censor hate speech and sociopathic views. This is not the same as censoring conservative views; that is the point.