"Some degree of abuse is inseparable from the proper use of every thing; and in no instance is this more true than in that of the press. It has accordingly been decided, by the practice of the states, that it is better to leave a few of its noxious branches to their luxuriant growth, than, by pruning them away, to injure the vigor of those yielding the proper fruits."
- James Madison
In other words, one bad apple does not spoil the whole lot. Madison clearly understands that some are going to abuse their free speech rights. He rightly observes that attempting to restrict such "noxious branches" would harm the rights of those who have done no wrong. My rights are always more important than the damage caused when fellow citizens abuse their rights in order to harm others.
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2 comments:
Great Quote.
Wisdom like that rings true through the ages. Thanks for posting.
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