Freedom of speech for dummies

Critical thought is dead, having been succeeded by parroted soundbites from manipulative scumbags.

Case in point: The repealing of Don't Ask, Don't Tell has been met with criticism from the right - of course; progress is the enemy of conservative ideals - with demagogues harping on such absurdities as gays not being fit for combat, or that open homosexuality will somehow "convert" the straight men, turning the armed forces into a free-for-all sausage fest.

The argument, ridiculous on its face, is based on a complete lack of understanding of damn near everything. It's effectively making my argument for me; exposure to *anything* will undermine an individual's ability to discern. It's akin to saying that a vegetarian will see a cow and think, mmm, my life could certainly use more cheeseburgers.

Perhaps the most telling critique is the notion that one's freedom to be a hateful bigot is sacrosanct, ergo, GTFO FAGGOTS. Freedom of speech pertains to the capacity for holding and espousing beliefs, but it does not free you from the consequences of being an asshole. You don't get to hold everyone else down because it makes you uncomfortable. The sooner the idiots realize this, the better.