Dace wrote:
> Talk does not cause action. Whoever commits the action is responsible for
> the deed. Sometimes no action follows from speech. But even when it does,
> it's the action that's objectionable, not the speech. It doesn't matter
> what idiots say or believe. All that matters are actions, regardless of
> whether or not they were preceded by words.
>
Speech is an act and should be treated like all other acts. If certain speech acts cause harm to a certain person or group of persons those persons need protection in the same way that potential victims of physical violence need protection. I would make a distinction between speech that is offensive and speech that is harmful. Speech that offends does not necessarily harm.
Sam Pawlett