is free speech the right to lie?

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-26-2003
is free speech the right to lie?
16
Sat, 10-04-2008 - 10:02am

http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=MGY5MDk1NTY4YTQ2ZjlhNTA3YmQxODZiMTgwZDM2MWQ=

we have free speech protection, which doesn't cover hate speech. but does it cover lies? am i free to run a political ad that lies?

because Rich Lowry's article confuses me. the way i read it, he seems to want the freedom to run ads that "swiftboat" a candidate but not the freedom for citizens to express protest against a speaker who deals the same smear tactics. so he wants the right to lie but not the right to protest the lie.

what did you take from this article?

Bea

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iVillage Member
Registered: 07-05-2006
Sat, 10-04-2008 - 10:22am

It appears that trying to shut down someone for lying so publically is being considered "tramping on First Amendment rights."

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Sat, 10-04-2008 - 11:00am
According to FCC rules advertisers are not permitted lie in advertising......politicians are not regulated and can lie (and frequently do ) in their ads


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iVillage Member
Registered: 07-05-2006
Sat, 10-04-2008 - 11:05am

According to FCC rules advertisers are not permitted lie in advertising......politicians are not regulated and can lie (and frequently do ) in their ads


I'm not sure if I understand this correctly.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Sat, 10-04-2008 - 11:17am

Yes.....like the do not call regulations for phone calling and advertising.......politicians are exempt from the rules.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-03-2008
Sat, 10-04-2008 - 11:50am
Yes, Politicians can LIE in their adds. This drives me crazy. Many people don't have the know-how to check out if what they are hearing is a lie or distortion.
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-05-2006
Sat, 10-04-2008 - 12:08pm

That's very interesting regarding the ads and how politicians are exempt.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-09-2007
Sun, 10-05-2008 - 1:23am

This editorial isn't really telling the whole story, I don't believe.

I heard a story about this on NPR, and yes, the Obama has had conversations with the justice department about political ads, but so has the McCain camp.

At issue are regulations regarding 527 organizations. They cannot be ONLY about political messages, and they they can't endorse a candidate. These attack/smear ads against a candidate can be construed as endorsement of the other guy. Also, many groups form and the first thing they do is run an ad. Apparently they have to engage in certain activities for 1 year in order to retain their tax exempt status as 527 groups. Otherwise, I think they fall under different guidelines. (I can't pull more details. I'm on my blackerry or I'd post the link. www.npr.org - either "morning edition" or "marketplace morning report").

Groups have been fined in the past for failing to comply with these rules. The irony is that McCain fought so hard for campaign finance reform, and now much of the type of political mudslinging that he fought so hard against has become a key component in his campaign's strategy.

Avatar for leisar2000
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-02-2003
Sun, 10-05-2008 - 1:25am
For once, I totally agree with you. =)
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sun, 10-05-2008 - 2:02am

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I disagree with you, but I'm pretty sure

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-09-2007
Sun, 10-05-2008 - 2:20am

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