Should there be any limits on free speech?

The DJ and station could only be held accountable if he instructed the people to harm or kill this mayor. Giving out a phone number does not amount to encouragement of any form of violence. At best someone could try to hold him liable for harrassment they recieve over the phone, but he didn't give out the mayor's home address, or any information that would make the mayor more likely to be physically harmed.

Well like I said before I didn't listen to the program because I don't like AM radio and honestly I don't know if it comes in on my house stero.

I didn't know that people considered the UK a police state. But, to be honest with you the politics overseas are my weak spot. I am not very familiar with them at all.

"It all started when Ben Konop says local radio host Brian Wilson of WSPD gave listeners Konop's personal phone number. County Commissioner Ben Konop says he prides himself on being accessible to the public, but he says threatening calls on his personal phone are way out of line.
Wilson says he didn't do anything wrong, adding Konop is a public servant who has turned down numerous interview requests at WSPD. Konop says WSPD radio talk show host Brian Wilson gave out his phone number six different times during Tuesday's show. "

Now, honestly what I have heard from Ben Konop leads me to believe he is an idiot but, still just because I think he's an idiot doesn't mean that he should be threatened or harrassed in anyway. Just like you said the pro Prop 8 people shouldn't either. I mean if they want to protest at the Church than by all means. I know you all are for small government but, aren't you for protection of rights? His man, and the pro Prop 8, have the right to live without fear of their political beliefs no matter if they are different from mine, your's or anyone else's.

Oh, shoot sorry I forgot the link.

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvg/story?section=news/local&id=6974131&rss=rss-wtvg-article-6974131

Well he shouldn't be threatened or harassed, but there's no way you can blame this DJ for the death threats when all he did was give out a phone number. If these people are sick enough to make death threats than they would have done it to the number for his campaign office or workplace without his home number. Every single one of these death threats should be investigated and those responsible should be prosecuted.

There is still nothing that says the DJ promoted death threats so I only say that he made a poor judgment by giving out the guy's personal number instead of the number for his office. Beyond that I'd say people who disagree with his actions should do the same thing they've done to Letterman and Beck, call the sponsors and tell them not to advertise on their programs.

I found another article about this, it's from a different news channel here. It appears that this all started because Konop would not go on WSPD because he thinks they are to extreme. It's very interesting how conservatives are all about personal responsibility except of course when it's their personal responsibility. Because, the DJ takes no responsibility for giving out the personal cell phone, not the county's cell phone number to his listeners, dumb DJ said, "If Baby Ben Konop is wetting his pants over alleged death threats, he may consider changing his phone number," says Wilson."

http://www.wtol.com/Global/story.asp?S=10958022

And, I found yet another article that said that the program director was involved with giving out the phone number.

http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090819/NEWS16/908199892

I think you're right about both parts but, my thing is, I believe everyone has the right to live without fear for their lives or their loved one's lives. It's sorta a no win situation.

Wow that's amazing, I didn't know that DJ's had to have a license. That's good that some states actually care about the rights of the citizens.

Not only do they have to have a license but they have to
actually follow rules of the FCC! There can really be serious
reprecussions for what he did!

You need a license for pretty much anything in New York. That's where the little girl got ticketed for selling lemonade without a license.

Does the FCC have guidelines prohibiting the release of phone numbers?I honestly don't think this guy violated any enforceable rules.

I'm not sure. But, you know when they have a movie or
tv show they always use a fake phone number like 555----.
There is some kind of law the makes them do that! I will
try to check. I was a Legal Secretary. I'm not sure
if I can get in touch with one of my ex-bosses. I will
try!

You're right, I remember that. I also remember all the he1l that was raised over that song 867-5309 because many people actually had and still have that number and would get harassed. I wonder if that rule, assuming it is a rule, applies to this.

OMG! I forgot all about that song and all the problems it
caused to the people who had it! I wonder if anyone still
does have it! Those poor people!lol

That song was "Jenny".


Ok, I found the whole 555 thing. All the numbers that are 555 are set aside and used only by the phone company.

http://yahoo.rogers.com/yahoo/answerman/index.jsp?id=am080924

Hey! Nice work Secret Agent Zephyr! That's what I mean! Going
back to the DJ, (that's how this all got started and ended
with poor Jenny!)he really could be in trouble because giving
out someones real phone number I do believe is against the
law or at least sort of? Thanks for the infor!And you too
Taskr!

We actually have several types of limitations of speech. But, as long as it doesn't infringe on other's rights than I'm all for free speech.

There should never be a limit on free speach.

Even if that freedom causes harm to others?

What if I yell fire in a crowded building and several people are trampled to death trying to get out? And there was no fire?

What if I am inciting a crowd to riot?

What if I am spewing nothing but hate, and encouraging others to go kill certain other people?

Should I be free to do all that?

Unfortunately, there HAVE to be limits.

Are you playing the devil?

I personally think the guy running for mayor is an idiot but, no one deserves to be harrassed not even Sara Palin. If it were me, I'd be kicking some a$$.

I did some digging and I guess from what I've read this Brian Wilson is like a Rush. But, the program director at this channel is also like Rush so he allows the DJ's to say whatever they want. I also found out something very funny or atleast odd, the program director tried to lead an effort to recall our mayor (he's out in Jan 2010) I can understand that our mayor is an idiot but, the program director doesn't even live in the city, he lives in another city LOL.

I look at it this way with public officals, if it isn't an emergency they shouldn't be bother by the public at home. I wouldn't allow my boss to call me at home to ask me stupid questions I give that same respect to elected officals even ones I don't like.

I am not one for junk lawsuits but, in cases like this I would love for Konop to sue the DJ and the radio station (I believe it's a Clear Channel station) and win millions so it doesn't happen again to someone else.

Same here.