Just to get this out of the way: Yes, I am a firm, strong proponent of the First Amendment. Free speech is a bedrock of the American legacy, period.
By that same token, however, it’s almost astounding the sheer volume of people who don’t seem to understand how the First Amendment actually works.
The First Amendment will allow you to say whatever stupid, idiotic thing you want, and protect you from government repercussions.
(Or, at least, that’s the way it should be.)
Nowhere does the First Amendment stop your peers, colleagues, customers, or your employers from telling you to shut up, or else. Younger folks may call this the “fiddle around and find out“-philosophy — and yes, I know that’s the wrong f-word.
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