The thing that really gets me about hate speech is that, because I don't want a bunch of people who would abuse the meaning of the term controlling what is or isn't legally permitted to say, I am accused of supporting hate.

It's so stupid. No, I don't support "hate" -- whatever that even means to you. I support people who want to freely express their thoughts, opinions, and beliefs to do so as they choose. That way I can make an informed decision to either agree or disagree, analyze or ignore, and support or demonize.

When people aren't allowed to share their "hateful" opinions freely, those ideas go underground and ferment where nobody can see them. Better to give bad ideas the same fresh air as good ideas so everyone knows what they're dealing with.

@shayne