What do you think about this innocently presented book?

RemiDallaire comments on May 31, 2019:

https://youtu.be/u9IU-YGBkJQ 2 beavers are better than one

Naomi replies on Jun 1, 2019:

Hello Mr Shocker!

What do you think about this innocently presented book?

Naomi comments on May 31, 2019:

Some information about the author and the illustrator. http://www.reacharoundbooks.com/about.php

Naomi replies on Jun 1, 2019:

Hello coalburned. Glad you've got it. Lol. If a child was young enough not to know the alternative meaning of beaver when the story was read to him or her, and grew old enough to finally realise its alternative meaning and therefore found hilarious, that would be a great way to appreciate such a sense of humour. I do realise that this kind of humour is not everyone's cup of tea, by the way.

Wasn't quite sure where to post this one.

Garsco comments on May 30, 2019:

In our area, there are spay and neuter clinics held but there are still too many stray dogs and cats that wind up in the local shelter. If they’re not adopted or fostered out, when the shelter reaches capacity, then the animals have to be euthanized to make room for more. Politically correct?

Naomi replies on Jun 1, 2019:

@PalmThis Well, that's what I used to think, but then I began to wonder if it was as simple as that. The removal of testicles means the complete removal of testosterone, the major male sex hormone. Surely, it's damaging to the well-being of male animals (including men for that matter), no?

What do you think about this innocently presented book?

Sheryl_Jean comments on May 31, 2019:

It's sold on Amazon under humour; and it is... but, all of these titles could be misused by child predators. I think it would be funny (without the angst) - if not presented as a children's book.

Naomi replies on May 31, 2019:

Hello. You make a good point. One lady who is a teacher is not impressed. She commented: "Saaad. Adults perverting/ abusing childrens minds. As a teacher and counselor for many years. Never would buy nor recommend a deceptive book like this."

What do you think about this innocently presented book?

tigercake comments on May 31, 2019:

Is this for real? That is so f-ken funny! I have tears in my eyes. Reposting it. Rewatching it. Too funny.

Naomi replies on May 31, 2019:

Hello. If a reader is young enough not to know the slang meaning of beaver, it is just a children's book, no?

What do you think about this innocently presented book?

richardwrites comments on May 31, 2019:

There is a long tradition of double meanings in children's entertainment. In the UK it goes back to the middle ages with the pantomime tradition. A little disrespectful to the child.

Naomi replies on May 31, 2019:

Hello. Yes, indeed. Took me a while to learn double meanings in English (English is not my mother tongue) and, the British withering sense of humour which suits me fine. Carry on joking!

Why do people seem to love war more than peace?

Naomi comments on May 31, 2019:

Do you think being territorial is human nature...?

Naomi replies on May 31, 2019:

And I don't know, Varga, whether it is good or bad...

Why do people seem to love war more than peace?

Naomi comments on May 31, 2019:

Do you think being territorial is human nature...?

Naomi replies on May 31, 2019:

@Varga, @DrN1 Also, I believe that Japan has only defence forces, but it might change; there is pressure put on by the US, apparently.

A collection of mysterious rock carvings uncovered - 10,000 to 40,000 years old!

Boardwine comments on May 31, 2019:

There's a lot of unexplained stuff like this all over the planet. I personally think humanity is considerably older than we think and that many many more civilizations have come and gone than we imagine.

Naomi replies on May 31, 2019:

Hello. Yes, this kind of discovery makes me feel humble.

"I'm a far-left Christian activist - like Jesus Christ.

Naomi comments on May 28, 2019:

Reagan, according to the piece of information below, is responsible for establishing the association between Christianity and conservatism. Interesting. One of Jeremy Corbyn’s first duties after his re-election as leader of the Labour Party in September 2016 was an appearance at the Sunday ...

Naomi replies on May 31, 2019:

Hello. Yes, she did. Incidentally, Reagan and Thatcher were buddies, weren't they? That famous tel. conversation which they often show in documentaries, etc.. They talked like lovers. Lol.

Wasn't quite sure where to post this one.

Garsco comments on May 30, 2019:

In our area, there are spay and neuter clinics held but there are still too many stray dogs and cats that wind up in the local shelter. If they’re not adopted or fostered out, when the shelter reaches capacity, then the animals have to be euthanized to make room for more. Politically correct?

Naomi replies on May 31, 2019:

Hello. It is said that many animal shelters in the UK are also inundated with abandoned animals, and they are asking for "foster homes", which I think is a better idea than euthanasia. I'm all for the prevention of unwanted puppies and kittens, by the way. I was wondering about vasectomies for animals, which is unfortunately unavailable from my local vets. Castration and spaying basically mean the removal of testicles and ovaries. I was wondering why remove the entire healthy organs in order to prevent unwanted offspring. That's the bit I'm against. Any thought?

Martin Luther King Jr ‘watched and laughed’ as woman was raped, secret FBI recordings allege | ...

Babou comments on May 30, 2019:

O.K. I formally propose #MLKToo. You saw it here first on IDW. Use it. Use it often. Damn, Twitter beat me to it by three days. I guess it was obvious.

Naomi replies on May 30, 2019:

@ScottforKing The American Conservative https://www.theamericanconservative.com/cached/mlk-metoo.html

Martin Luther King Jr ‘watched and laughed’ as woman was raped, secret FBI recordings allege | ...

Babou comments on May 30, 2019:

O.K. I formally propose #MLKToo. You saw it here first on IDW. Use it. Use it often. Damn, Twitter beat me to it by three days. I guess it was obvious.

Naomi replies on May 30, 2019:

Hello, ScottforKing. "What are the rightists saying?" You mean the rightists in the UK?

Martin Luther King Jr ‘watched and laughed’ as woman was raped, secret FBI recordings allege | ...

Babou comments on May 30, 2019:

O.K. I formally propose #MLKToo. You saw it here first on IDW. Use it. Use it often. Damn, Twitter beat me to it by three days. I guess it was obvious.

Naomi replies on May 30, 2019:

Hello. Yes, this news is 3 or 4 days old now. It was reported across Britain, but not so much in America (it's been suppressed - that's what I heard). Say, the news is true, do you think this is going to outweigh what he is known for in the historical context and be used for political agenda in the current context? Pulling down all his statues, renaming all the streets, etc., that were named after him, and so on and so on... that'll be quite a job to do.

Modernists Defeated - So it should!

timon_phocas comments on May 29, 2019:

The Notre Dame cathedral is an exquisite design. It was audacious in the Middle Ages and still stunning today. It has inspired and awed for eight centuries. So just how would they ever "improve" it with steel, glass and carbon fiber?

Naomi replies on May 29, 2019:

Hello. The word "contemporary" just doesn't fit, does it? Lol

Exclusive: Syrian forces bomb their own hospitals in Idlib - YouTube

Marta-Amance comments on May 29, 2019:

Bomb your own people, makes sense to me, but be careful lest you run out of your own people to bomb, no people, no country.

Naomi replies on May 29, 2019:

Hello. It's a war crime, no?

Modernists Defeated - So it should!

RobBlair comments on May 29, 2019:

They should consider using steel trusses for the supports while maintaining the classical facades.

Naomi replies on May 29, 2019:

Hello. That's a sensible idea.

The abortion industry has a social media campaign called "Shout Your Abortion.

DrN1 comments on May 28, 2019:

Is abortion murder? https://colvincuriosity.com/2018/03/28/is-abortion-murder/

Naomi replies on May 29, 2019:

Hello. As you pointed out earlier, associating abortion with emotive words like "killing" and "murder" really doesn't help in having a proper debate. Nor does it help by polarising opinions; the celebration of abortion or the criminalisation of it - these are two extreme views, and those who argue this way never seem to want to find middle ground... Odd. (Mentioning "war" is really over the top...no?)

The abortion industry has a social media campaign called "Shout Your Abortion.

DrN1 comments on May 26, 2019:

Comparison with Calhoun and the pro-slavery lobby is interesting but not directly comparable. In the case of slavery there was the wholescale denial of personhood to fully developed human beings women children men and their families, forcibly kidnapped stolen and transported, bought and sold owned ...

Naomi replies on May 29, 2019:

Hello, chuckpo. You make an interesting point. And it triggered this question in my head: If you could travel back in time, would you support the abortion of Hitler, knowing what you know now...?

"I'm a far-left Christian activist - like Jesus Christ.

Crikey comments on May 28, 2019:

Are you suggesting that if you move far enough to the Left then you automatically become a Marxist? That doesn't make any sense at all. Marx was simply a theorist born 200+ years ago. Being far left simply means that you strongly support the rights of the working class (and the underclass) over the ...

Naomi replies on May 29, 2019:

Thank you, Crikey.

I have visitors on my page and some are indicated as "visited" and others are indicated as ...

Admin comments on May 28, 2019:

Hovered just means that they looked at your mini profile (mouse over member link on desktop)

Naomi replies on May 28, 2019:

Thank you. And like Faith and I were saying, even if I touch someone's photo by accident, that would be recorded as "hovered", yes?

"I'm a far-left Christian activist - like Jesus Christ.

DrN1 comments on May 28, 2019:

Karl Marx was Jewish, (as was Jesus). Sigmund Freud (also Jewish) and Karl Marx, considered religion to be an illusion, for Freud one determined by "wishful thinking", and to Marx "the opium of the people". Marx was sympathetic to religion, though "criticism of religion is the pre-requisite of all ...

Naomi replies on May 28, 2019:

@DrN1 Fascinating! Some people can't seem to separate Marxism as a pure theory from communism that adopted Marxism in practice. Yes, communism is a terrible ideology and demonstrated horrible, horrible things in the past, but when they become emotional and start calling him an evil man, etc., and treat Marxism like a taboo subject, that's the end of discussion. Lol.

I have visitors on my page and some are indicated as "visited" and others are indicated as ...

iThink comments on May 28, 2019:

I have been wondering about that myself.

Naomi replies on May 28, 2019:

Point taken.

I have visitors on my page and some are indicated as "visited" and others are indicated as ...

FaithJones comments on May 28, 2019:

Same. I touch the wrong part of the screen and suddenly I've created data that suggests I stalk plump, angry, beardy guys in their fifties.

Naomi replies on May 28, 2019:

I had a similar experience, today actually. Someone messaged me "You visited my page often. Why?" (OK. it was a more polite message than that. But still...) I had no idea!

I have visitors on my page and some are indicated as "visited" and others are indicated as ...

iThink comments on May 28, 2019:

I have been wondering about that myself.

Naomi replies on May 28, 2019:

It's kinda weird that others have a sneaky look, but then if the system allows us to do it, so be it. I have clumsy fingers and they often go over other members' photos, showing their bios, when I don't mean to...

"I'm a far-left Christian activist - like Jesus Christ.

DrN1 comments on May 28, 2019:

Karl Marx was Jewish, (as was Jesus). Sigmund Freud (also Jewish) and Karl Marx, considered religion to be an illusion, for Freud one determined by "wishful thinking", and to Marx "the opium of the people". Marx was sympathetic to religion, though "criticism of religion is the pre-requisite of all ...

Naomi replies on May 28, 2019:

"It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven." Yes, he said that, indeed! I find it interesting that Marxism is a pure theory and has always been innovated into something else, e.g., .Marxism–Leninism. If he was still around, he would have said "No, that's not what I meant." I'm kind of comfortable to talk about Marx in this group. Once I posted about the "Religion is the opium..." quote, before the admin grouped us, and Jeez, you could imagine what happened... Lol.

Fancy moving to Singapore?

Marta-Amance comments on May 28, 2019:

Yes, an enlightened Chinese dictatorship can solve many problems in 53 years. I have been there twice, 2007 and 2009. Singapore has only two seasons, hot and rainy followed by hot and rainy. It is like living in a steam bath. The street are very clean for an important reason, corporal punishment...

Naomi replies on May 28, 2019:

I like your description. Lol. I like having many seasonal interests. I would probably miss snow in winter if I live in Singapore.

Income redistribution, the welfare state, social safety net, government forced charity.

Naomi comments on May 27, 2019:

Hello. I can't vote black and white like that. How about military forces? We surely have to support them collectively, i.e. by paying tax towards them, no?

Naomi replies on May 28, 2019:

Because you and others keep referring to the US constitution. The poster is American, too, so, I assume that the original post must be made from the American perspective, no?

"I'm a far-left Christian activist - like Jesus Christ.

DrN1 comments on May 28, 2019:

Karl Marx was Jewish, (as was Jesus). Sigmund Freud (also Jewish) and Karl Marx, considered religion to be an illusion, for Freud one determined by "wishful thinking", and to Marx "the opium of the people". Marx was sympathetic to religion, though "criticism of religion is the pre-requisite of all ...

Naomi replies on May 28, 2019:

Hello. I know that quote. Although Marx was atheist himself, he identified the role of religion in society in a kind of sympathetic way, as to why people needed religion. I've been looking into Christian Socialism within British politics. The levellers were early Christian radicals, weren't they, though they weren't a political party as such. Marx may have seen their movement as the rise of the oppressed. Interesting. Do you know any "far-left" Christian activists in the UK? (The definition of "far-let" is ambiguous though...)

"I'm a far-left Christian activist - like Jesus Christ.

WilyRickWiles comments on May 28, 2019:

Left politics aren't inherently athiestic or Marxist for that matter. It's easy to forget that after decades of Cold War propaganda and McCarthyism that have conflated the two. My grandfather was part of a secret Catholic cell as a young person. They sought to ferret out leftists in society ...

Naomi replies on May 28, 2019:

Just one small thing - is Rick Wiles a far-left Christian, too?

"I'm a far-left Christian activist - like Jesus Christ.

WilyRickWiles comments on May 28, 2019:

Left politics aren't inherently athiestic or Marxist for that matter. It's easy to forget that after decades of Cold War propaganda and McCarthyism that have conflated the two. My grandfather was part of a secret Catholic cell as a young person. They sought to ferret out leftists in society ...

Naomi replies on May 28, 2019:

Hello. Thanks ever so much for your contribution! Now I know where to look to unravel my thoughts.

"I'm a far-left Christian activist - like Jesus Christ.

george comments on May 27, 2019:

Reading the things Jesus said, he would be closer to the far left than conservative. Conservative to him would have been Judaism and he offered progressive ideas that got people to stop living by the old testament. He also spoke of feeding the hungry and healing the sick which are ideas more in ...

Naomi replies on May 28, 2019:

Hello. Yes, you make a valid point. Many people believe that Jesus was socialist. It is then peculiar that Christianity is generally associated with conservatism nowadays... Incidentally, Christian socialism is a well recognised ideology within British politics. Going back to the starting point of my thoughts, hence the stupid question, I was intrigued when someone identified himself as "far left" and Christian at the same time. Incidentally, the definition of "far left" is very broad...

"I'm a far-left Christian activist - like Jesus Christ.

Crikey comments on May 28, 2019:

Are you suggesting that if you move far enough to the Left then you automatically become a Marxist? That doesn't make any sense at all. Marx was simply a theorist born 200+ years ago. Being far left simply means that you strongly support the rights of the working class (and the underclass) over the ...

Naomi replies on May 28, 2019:

Hello. It's not me suggesting it, I thought it was a general narrative being circulated (successfully...?). Rightists often accuse leftists/far-left of being socialists/communists, no? Or do you think that the notion of communists being atheists is a propagandistic narrative by rightists (not all) against leftists? Talking of Marx, although he was an atheist, he recognised the function of religion within society, didn't he?

Income redistribution, the welfare state, social safety net, government forced charity.

Naomi comments on May 27, 2019:

Hello. I can't vote black and white like that. How about military forces? We surely have to support them collectively, i.e. by paying tax towards them, no?

Naomi replies on May 28, 2019:

Hello, Bay0Wulf. I didn't realise that the OP referred to the US case... Silly me.

Do you think there should be a place for "silence" within "freedom of speech"?

Ldsrabbi comments on May 27, 2019:

If you are a witness in a criminal trial you can be compelled to testify if your testimony is not self incriminating. If you are a material witness and you do not appear when you have been served a subpoena, a judge can issue a material witness warrant and jail you until you testify to the truth. It...

Naomi replies on May 27, 2019:

Hello. Thank you for your input. You're talking bout the right to remain silence, no? Another attorney told me that in the case of the US constitution, it makes no mention of freedom of silence (he refers it to the right to silence), hence it should never receive the same protection as speech. I also read somewhere that referring freedom of silence to the right to remain silent is a general and a rather lazy way to understand the constitution. I'm not knowledgeable enough to discuss this further. Anyway, outside the legal context, I was thinking that surely silence is an equally powerful tool of communication to speech in terms of expression of freedom. You may be interested in reading other comments. Whether the right to silence is legally protected or not, freedom of silence is a less well understood concept than freedom of speech, I think...

Income redistribution, the welfare state, social safety net, government forced charity.

Naomi comments on May 27, 2019:

Hello. I can't vote black and white like that. How about military forces? We surely have to support them collectively, i.e. by paying tax towards them, no?

Naomi replies on May 27, 2019:

Hello, MickeyRat. I wouldn't call the military a charity, either...

"I'm a far-left Christian activist - like Jesus Christ.

Harleyman comments on May 27, 2019:

My cattle buyer claims to be a conservative Christain but votes for left wing radicals who support unlimited abortion and bad mouth cows for causing global warming. So he must be one of those left wing Christain’s as he definitely talk’s that way.

Naomi replies on May 27, 2019:

Hello. Thank you for that contribution. Intriguing, no? Since I posted the question (it's a stupid question, really), I've found a far-left Christian social justice activist, Rev. William Barber. I shall find more about him. Maybe there is a flaw to the assumption that one is far-left and therefore supports Marxist atheism.

"I'm a far-left Christian activist - like Jesus Christ.

ScottforKing comments on May 27, 2019:

Perhaps you are a confused conservative.

Naomi replies on May 27, 2019:

@ScottforKing I thought the Pope was left-leaning but din't realise he was "far-left".

"I'm a far-left Christian activist - like Jesus Christ.

ScottforKing comments on May 27, 2019:

Perhaps you are a confused conservative.

Naomi replies on May 27, 2019:

Hello. Is it possible, though, to be far-left and Christian at the same time? I left the room to make a cup of tea, leaving YouTube running clip after clip by itself...and I heard "I'm a far-left wing Christian...". I'm sure that's what I heard. But by the time I went back to the room, it was gone...

Income redistribution, the welfare state, social safety net, government forced charity.

Naomi comments on May 27, 2019:

Hello. I can't vote black and white like that. How about military forces? We surely have to support them collectively, i.e. by paying tax towards them, no?

Naomi replies on May 27, 2019:

Point taken. :)

Do you think there should be a place for "silence" within "freedom of speech"?

KillMeNow666 comments on May 26, 2019:

My first comment was for humor. My real question is: what the hell is this about, 'freedom of silence'? We have always had freedom of silence. It's characterized by not moving your mouth.

Naomi replies on May 27, 2019:

Wow, KillMeNow666! You don't know anything about me, yet, you're super quick to judge me. The original post sets a question ending with "I am yet to come to a conclusion." I asked others for their opinions. How does that make me a teacher? I am a wonderer in my head. I ask questions like this in search for answers. If you read the comments the others kindly contributed before you, you would have answered your own question "What the hell is this about, 'freedom of silence'?" That's why I said, if you think "my question" is stupid, don't waste your time. This argument is really silly. Let's move on, shall we?

Do you think there should be a place for "silence" within "freedom of speech"?

KillMeNow666 comments on May 26, 2019:

My first comment was for humor. My real question is: what the hell is this about, 'freedom of silence'? We have always had freedom of silence. It's characterized by not moving your mouth.

Naomi replies on May 27, 2019:

Oh, sorry KillMeNow666. What a come back! I didn't mean to offend you. You've got the wrong end of the stick. You'll find that I'm never rude to anyone, anywhere on this site or any site. This is the thing about online communication; without facial expression and tone of voice, it is sometimes difficult to convey meanings.

I agree with this statement

Babou comments on May 27, 2019:

You can have a Ph.D. in physics, tests of the theory of quantum electrodynamics, and still be an idiot. Well, okay. Maybe not.

Naomi replies on May 27, 2019:

That's all right then. :)

I agree with this statement

Babou comments on May 27, 2019:

You can have a Ph.D. in physics, tests of the theory of quantum electrodynamics, and still be an idiot. Well, okay. Maybe not.

Naomi replies on May 27, 2019:

Hey, Gerri4321, calm down. It's not worth getting upset.

Ouch! That's embarrassing... Naomi Wolf’s Book on Sodomy Executions Based on Error

DrN1 comments on May 27, 2019:

Pretty big mistake, happens when you jump to conclusions from an ideological springboard.

Naomi replies on May 27, 2019:

Hello. Yes, a huge, serious mistake. She is a progressive writer and journalist, apparently. The thing is, the readers of her book will believe what she wrote erroneously, unless she has enough decency to cancel the publication of the book.

How the world sees Clint Eastwood...

Babou comments on May 27, 2019:

Fistful of lasagna? For a few raviolis more? The good, the bad, and the wrinkled?

Naomi replies on May 27, 2019:

I used to have a crush on him.

Do you think there should be a place for "silence" within "freedom of speech"?

TommyB comments on May 26, 2019:

Of course it's already a right, that goes without saying (no pun intended). It's the wisdom to discern the context in which it's exercised: legal or lawful Lawfully it's a right that should be chosen wisely. Legally it's a strategy, since in the legal world all crimes are commercial and ...

Naomi replies on May 27, 2019:

Hello. Thanks for your input. The OP is placed ambiguous in an attempt not to influence thoughts. It seems to have failed (lol) as most people immediately linked "freedom of silence" with "the right to remain silent", except one who is an attorney. He says that in the case of the US constitution, it makes no mention of it, hence it should never receive the same protection as speech. I also read somewhere that referring freedom of silence to the right to remain silent is a general and lazy way to understand the constitution. I'm not knowledgeable enough to discuss this further. Anyway, with the legal context aside, my train of thoughts began with the assumption that while freedom of speech is much promoted and people are therefore encouraged to speak out, silence is generally perceived as a negative, passive thing; it is the silence of those oppressed, hesitant, unconfident, etc. It is a sign of weakness. And then, I thought, no, silence can be as powerful and positive as speech; for example, a defiant silence can mean determination, courage, perseverance, commitment, persistence, etc., in protecting someone or something that is precious to you. Also, I'm sure silence has a dark side. While there is such thing as hateful speech, I'm sure there is hateful silence. There are some people who have a silent yet compelling presence, even posing threat. Silence can mean all sorts of things without words. I think freedom of silence as expression of freedom is a less well understood concept than freedom of speech. I was just being philosophical, I guess. Lol.

Do you think there should be a place for "silence" within "freedom of speech"?

KillMeNow666 comments on May 26, 2019:

My first comment was for humor. My real question is: what the hell is this about, 'freedom of silence'? We have always had freedom of silence. It's characterized by not moving your mouth.

Naomi replies on May 27, 2019:

Hello. "What the hell is this about, 'freedom of silence'?" If the question got you thinking, that's good. If you think it's a stupid question, ah well, don't waste any more time. Lol. Thanks for coming back, anyway.

OPINION: The word 'Islamophobia' and its definition are not fit for purpose | Jewish News

Seasteader comments on May 26, 2019:

Islamophobia is a made up word. Mind control.

Naomi replies on May 27, 2019:

Hello. I absolutely agree!.

The abortion industry has a social media campaign called "Shout Your Abortion.

Naomi comments on May 26, 2019:

Hello again. Talking of abortion in reference to "industry" here, it reminded me that someone posted this article a few days ago and I kept it. I find it very interesting: https://www.history.com/news/the-criminalization-of-abortion-began-as-a-business-tactic

Naomi replies on May 26, 2019:

Thought so, too.

Borderless 2019 - Lauren Southern's deleted video - YouTube

Naomi comments on May 25, 2019:

Just watched it. Very balanced. Nothing contentious. Don't know why it was censored by YouTube.

Naomi replies on May 26, 2019:

Someone has a lot to hide, and successfully put pressure on YouTube (Google) - that would be a typical scenario, wouldn't you say?

What is your "Gangster Name"?

Pixeldust comments on May 25, 2019:

Pink Bang (energy drink) 😂😂😂

Naomi replies on May 26, 2019:

Welcome to the Community. X

Jews and Muslims pray together during annual pilgrimage to Ghriba synagogue

677593rme comments on May 25, 2019:

That's very interesting. I had never heard of that tradition. I also didn't know that Jews recognize saints or ask favors of them. It's good seeing all of the participants getting along though, and the article also mentioned some Christians being present as well.

Naomi replies on May 26, 2019:

Hello. When politics don't interfere with religion, people can integrate better, I think.

Do you think there should be a place for "silence" within "freedom of speech"?

Clammypollack comments on May 24, 2019:

Our constitution makes no mention of it, hence it should never receive the same protection as speech. I do enjoy it though.

Naomi replies on May 25, 2019:

Thank you, Wordmage, for your input. The original post was placed ambiguous in order to arouse curiosity. Words are fascinating indeed; they can convey all sorts of things, and I would like to think that silence can, too.

Do you think there should be a place for "silence" within "freedom of speech"?

Jeeper752 comments on May 24, 2019:

Being silent is easy AND it's what the enemies of free speech want. All the cowards who refuse to debate "exercise their right to silence" but whine and complain in private, sometimes bitterly. The right to speak is what we should defend and exercise.

Naomi replies on May 25, 2019:

That's an interesting view. Silence hurts no one. Words don't have to hurt anyone, either. Poetry, novels, lyrics... words can be beautiful and don't have to be offensive or hurtful, wouldn't you agree? Also, do you think that silence can be as powerful as speech? For example, a defiant silence can demonstrate determination, courage, perseverance, commitment, will, etc., in protecting someone or something that is precious to you.

Do you think there should be a place for "silence" within "freedom of speech"?

Muleman comments on May 25, 2019:

**I agree. Simon & Garfunkel said it all. Of course my level of maturity (I've reached 3/4 century) is one where I didn't have all of the entertainment junk thrown at me. I don't miss it. I choose not to engage in constant noise. **

Naomi replies on May 25, 2019:

Hello. Yes, Sound of Silence! Thank you for your lighthearted comment. :)

Do you think there should be a place for "silence" within "freedom of speech"?

Varga comments on May 25, 2019:

After reading all these well thought out replys, without repeating too much, my silence is my right. This is a natural right as far as I’m concerned. I don’t believe I’ve ever had to impose that right either. Were that ever the case for humanity we’d best understand the slippery slope from ...

Naomi replies on May 25, 2019:

Well, let's say whether you agree or disagree with the example I provided, it's a different matter that would need discussing under a different post.

Do you think there should be a place for "silence" within "freedom of speech"?

Harpoon comments on May 25, 2019:

I think that freedom of silence is part of it. Basically, like freedom of association, a person cannot be compelled to engage in an activity, or with any individual or group, that they disagree with. Now, this doesn’t give them the right to be disruptive either, or preclude them from previously ...

Naomi replies on May 25, 2019:

Hello. Thank you for your well-thought out comment. My train of thoughts began with the assumption that while freedom of speech is much promoted and people are therefore encouraged to speak out, silence is generally perceived as a negative, passive thing; it is the silence of those oppressed, hesitant, unconfident, etc. It is a sign of weakness. And then, I thought, no, silence can be as powerful as speech; for example, a defiant silence can mean determination, courage, perseverance, commitment, persistence, etc., in protecting someone or something that is precious to you. Also, I'm sure silence has a dark side. While there is such thing as hateful speech, I'm sure there is hateful silence. Silence can mean all sorts of things without words. I read somewhere that during the Vietnam era, thousands of draft resisters refused anonymously to take the military oath thereby refusing to participate in what they believed was an immoral war. Whether you agree or disagree with their action, that is a different matter, but in this case, anonymity, or silent existence I might say, spoke volumes. I'm sure there are many examples like this. I agree with you that silence should be a strong part of human freedom.

Do you think there should be a place for "silence" within "freedom of speech"?

Varga comments on May 25, 2019:

After reading all these well thought out replys, without repeating too much, my silence is my right. This is a natural right as far as I’m concerned. I don’t believe I’ve ever had to impose that right either. Were that ever the case for humanity we’d best understand the slippery slope from ...

Naomi replies on May 25, 2019:

Hello. Thank you for your balanced view. My train of thoughts began with the assumption that while speaking out is much encouraged in the name of freedom of speech, silence is generally perceived as a negative thing; it is the silence of those oppressed, hesitant, unconfident, etc. It is a sign of weakness. And then I thought, no, silence can be as powerful as speech, like a defiant silence means determination, courage, perseverance, commitment, will, that sort of things. I read somewhere that during the Vietnam era, thousands of draft resisters refused anonymously to take the military oath thereby refusing to participate in what they believed was an immoral war. In this case, anonymity, or silent existence spoke volumes. Well, this may not be a good example; whether you agree or disagree with their action at that time, it is a different matter that would have to be discussed under a different post, but I'm sure there are many examples like this. I agree with you that silence should be a strong part of human freedom.

Do you think there should be a place for "silence" within "freedom of speech"?

WishIKnew comments on May 24, 2019:

Before I think too much on this and give an opinion that's not fully informed, do you mean such as in the 5th amendment or in another context?

Naomi replies on May 25, 2019:

Thanks for taking interest in the subject, WishIKnew. I'm trying to conceptualise silence as an expression of freedom. Surely, it should be that speech and silence are opposite but equally powerful on the same spectrum of communication, no?. It's complicated! I always get myself confused by asking questions like this - a bad habit.

Do you think there should be a place for "silence" within "freedom of speech"?

RichardD comments on May 24, 2019:

Might you mean https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_to_silence ?

Naomi replies on May 25, 2019:

Very true!

Do you think there should be a place for "silence" within "freedom of speech"?

RichardD comments on May 24, 2019:

Might you mean https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_to_silence ?

Naomi replies on May 25, 2019:

Hello, RichardPD. That is a very good point. I think it is notable that Asians value freedom of silence, whether it is legally protected or not. They would rather avoid confrontation. Instead, they try to find another more peaceful way, including silence, to resolve a difficult situation. When silence is generally perceived as a negative thing especially in the West, I was wondering if silence could be used as a positive tool in communication, hence my post. I shall continue to ponder...

Do you think there should be a place for "silence" within "freedom of speech"?

AndrewInVail comments on May 24, 2019:

If there is a freedom of silence, then is is to be found in literal or figurative solitude.(Wherever and however you can find or define that.) I'm not sure if this is the silence that you are talking about though? I value occasional solitude. I sometimes love being alone with my thoughts. I hope ...

Naomi replies on May 25, 2019:

Hello, Wtretired. You might be interested in reading my reply to Wordmage and Clammypollack.

Do you think there should be a place for "silence" within "freedom of speech"?

Clammypollack comments on May 24, 2019:

Our constitution makes no mention of it, hence it should never receive the same protection as speech. I do enjoy it though.

Naomi replies on May 25, 2019:

@Wordmage, @Clammypollack "The right to remain silent" means something like not having to answer any questions or not being forced to speak, and yes, I get that. I'm trying to understand the concept of freedom of silence opposed to freedom of speech, between which I wish to make a distinction. Talking of the legal protection of freedom of silence, I found the example below of how freedom of silence is legally protected in India, in a very different way from the right to remain silent:. The contributor of the example says: I am going to give one of the best example of Freedom of Silence in India. The judgement regarding the case (to be discussed later) is considered as one of the most important judgement given by Supreme Court of India ever. Freedom of Speech- Constitution of India. Freedom of speech is one of the six fundamental rights conferred to the citizens of India under Part III of the Constitution. It is one of the most important aspects in the hierarchy of personal liberties provided under Article 19 to Article 22 of the Indian Constitution.But this right is subject to limitations imposed under Article 19(2).Freedom of speech also includes the right to silence. The Constitution of India guarantees every person right against self incrimination under Article 20 (3): "No person accused of any offence shall be compelled to be a witness against himself". ... It is not clear if the accused can exercise his right to silence during interrogation by public servants. Freedom of Silence- National Anthem case. In this case, three children belonging to Jehovah’s witnesses were expelled from the school for refusing to sing the national anthem, although they stood respectfully when the same was being sung. They challenged the validity of their expulsion before the Kerala High Court which upheld the expulsion as valid and on the ground that it was their fundamental duty to sing the national anthem. On appeal, the Supreme Court held that the students did not commit any offence under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. Also, there was no law under which their fundamental right under Article 19(1) (a ) could be curtailed. Accordingly, it was held that the children’s expulsion from the school was a violation of their fundamental right under Article 19(1) (a ), which also includes the freedom of silence. I think that freedom of silence is a concept which is less well understood than freedom of speech.

Do you think there should be a place for "silence" within "freedom of speech"?

RichardD comments on May 24, 2019:

Might you mean https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_to_silence ?

Naomi replies on May 24, 2019:

Hello, Oxfret. I posted the same question elsewhere, and someone who is an attorney tells me that "the US constitution makes no mention of freedom of silence as part of freedom of speech; this ‘right’ can never be legally as protected as a constitutional right". I was wondering that while freedom of speech is vigorously promoted, perhaps too much to my liking, perhaps freedom of silence is being undermined. (I read somewhere that Asians believe in freedom of silence, generally speaking; confrontation is the last resort; they normally manage to find another (silent/peaceful) way to resolve a situation - but then we cannot ignore there is a cultural background to their way of thinking.) If freedom of silence means not having to engage in a pointless argument, thus walking away quietly (if possible), protecting my privacy without having to explain what is personal to me, etc., then I shall protect it as my liberty. Having said that, silence could also be used with an insidious intention... (though I can't think of any example right now.) Perhaps, freedom of speech and freedom of silence are both strong forces, good or bad, when there is a balance between them.

Do you think there should be a place for "silence" within "freedom of speech"?

Clammypollack comments on May 24, 2019:

Our constitution makes no mention of it, hence it should never receive the same protection as speech. I do enjoy it though.

Naomi replies on May 24, 2019:

I completely forgot that you're an attorney! My apologies. Beside the legal aspect of it, I was wondering that while freedom of speech is vigorously promoted, perhaps too much to my liking, perhaps freedom of silence is being undermined. If freedom of silence means not having to engage in a pointless argument, thus walking away quietly, protecting my privacy without having to explain what is personal to me, etc., then I shall protect it as my liberty. Having said that, silence could also be used with an insidious intention... Perhaps, freedom of speech and freedom of silence are both strong forces, good or bad, when there is a balance between them.

Do you think there should be a place for "silence" within "freedom of speech"?

Clammypollack comments on May 24, 2019:

Our constitution makes no mention of it, hence it should never receive the same protection as speech. I do enjoy it though.

Naomi replies on May 24, 2019:

Hello. "Our constitution makes no mention of it." That's intriguing - everybody else seems to think freedom of silence is legally protected, although that is not the concept I've been pondering on.

Do you think there should be a place for "silence" within "freedom of speech"?

anewlovejoy comments on May 24, 2019:

My grandfather used to say: "The less you say, the less you have to take back"!

Naomi replies on May 24, 2019:

Hello. As humorous as always. People are more and more vocal in the name of freedom of speech, and you're right - let idiots speak and reveal themselves what idiots they are. Speaking out is not everyone's cup of tea, though. Some are introvert but careful thinkers and their thoughts may remain unspoken, BUT, actions can speak volumes sometimes and they may be capable of proving their points by actions and not so much by words. Do you think silence can be as strong a force as free speech? Freedom of silence is a less well understood concept than freedom of speech, I think.

Do you think there should be a place for "silence" within "freedom of speech"?

anewlovejoy comments on May 24, 2019:

My grandfather used to say: "The less you say, the less you have to take back"!

Naomi replies on May 24, 2019:

Hello. Silence is still a tool of communication, wouldn't you say? It's part of self-expression. I was beginning to wonder if it would be OK to judge someone as a coward because they don't say much. I'm sure your father wasn't a coward.

Do you think there should be a place for "silence" within "freedom of speech"?

Troy_Alias comments on May 24, 2019:

Seems a self given right by default to me - not speaking is a default action while speaking requires intent ( ? ) I'm also glad people brought up the 5th, as that was my first thought, which should show us even further how in depth the US Bill of Rights was considered.

Naomi replies on May 24, 2019:

Hello. In the legal context, it is the right to remain silent; not having to answer questions, and I get that. I was thinking that silence is still a part of communication and it is included in self-expression. Freedom of silence is a concept which is less well understood than freedom of speech, I think.

Do you think there should be a place for "silence" within "freedom of speech"?

Jeeper752 comments on May 24, 2019:

Being silent is easy AND it's what the enemies of free speech want. All the cowards who refuse to debate "exercise their right to silence" but whine and complain in private, sometimes bitterly. The right to speak is what we should defend and exercise.

Naomi replies on May 24, 2019:

Hello. Would it be always fair to assume that someone who doesn't say much is a coward, though? Do you think that silence could be part of self-expression? Careful thoughts which are unspoken...

Do you think there should be a place for "silence" within "freedom of speech"?

AndrewInVail comments on May 24, 2019:

If there is a freedom of silence, then is is to be found in literal or figurative solitude.(Wherever and however you can find or define that.) I'm not sure if this is the silence that you are talking about though? I value occasional solitude. I sometimes love being alone with my thoughts. I hope ...

Naomi replies on May 24, 2019:

Hello. In the legal context, it is the right to remain silent; not having to answer questions, and I get that. I was pondering in that silence is still a part of communication and it is not necessarily a sign of weakness because someone doesn't say much. Could silence be as strong a force as free speech? Freedom of silence is a concept less well understood than freedom of speech, I think.

Do you think there should be a place for "silence" within "freedom of speech"?

RichardD comments on May 24, 2019:

Might you mean https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_to_silence ?

Naomi replies on May 24, 2019:

Hello. Not necessarily in the legal context. What does freedom of silence mean to you? Not having to listen to others' opinions? Privacy? That sort of things.

Do you think there should be a place for "silence" within "freedom of speech"?

WishIKnew comments on May 24, 2019:

Before I think too much on this and give an opinion that's not fully informed, do you mean such as in the 5th amendment or in another context?

Naomi replies on May 24, 2019:

Hello. Not necessarily in the legal context. Your own understanding of freedom of silence. I'm kind of assuming that different people have different perspectives/definitions of freedom of silence, like they have different definitions of freedom of speech, based on which they would exercise it in different ways, .

Italy’s Populist Government Censors Teacher [theguardian.com]

Naomi comments on May 19, 2019:

Politics really mustn't interfere with education - sadly, only in an ideal world it seems...

Naomi replies on May 23, 2019:

Hello. In an ideal world, the teacher educates the student to have a critical mind and become a free thinker; The teacher remains impartial so that the student's thoughts are not influenced by the teacher's own views, like political views or religious belief. Meanwhile, the government does not tell the teacher what can be taught and what cannot. The government encourages the teacher to tell the student truth and facts, in history for example. But this probably cannot be realised in real world - where there is a group/organisation/institution/community, etc., there is always politics. People are always bound or divided by opinions. If I believe what the teacher in question says in the article; “That project had absolutely no political purpose nor was it intended to indoctrinate students, who have always worked freely.”, the project should remain as a mere project and should not be politicised.

Tracking the aggressors... [thereligionofpeace.com]

RichardD comments on May 22, 2019:

List of some condemnations by Muslims against ISIS: https://ing.org/global-condemnations-of-isis-isil/

Naomi replies on May 23, 2019:

And there are Islamic reformers who put their lives at risk to reform and modernise Islam. I sincerely hope they will succeed.

To Brexit, or not to Brexit... [nationalreview.com]

RichardD comments on May 23, 2019:

Here in the UK we've been talking about Brexit for so long that we've all gone slightly crazy.

Naomi replies on May 23, 2019:

And I like it! :)

To Brexit, or not to Brexit... [nationalreview.com]

RichardD comments on May 23, 2019:

Here in the UK we've been talking about Brexit for so long that we've all gone slightly crazy.

Naomi replies on May 23, 2019:

Slightly? British understatement. It's been absolutely mad! Lol. I wanted it to end yesterday!

What is your "Gangster Name"?

RichardD comments on May 23, 2019:

Black tea

Naomi replies on May 23, 2019:

Hello. Definitely a name for a British gangster. Lol!

Something different.

RobBlair comments on May 23, 2019:

You must have tiny fingers. My cranes are never that crisp looking. Beautiful work!

Naomi replies on May 23, 2019:

Hello. The smallest pieces I used were 5cm x 5cm. Yes, I guess, I have tiny fingers. Lol.

Something different.

Facci comments on May 23, 2019:

That's sweet. Is this your work?

Naomi replies on May 23, 2019:

Hello. Yes, a bit embarrassing - nothing of the professional quality. Lol

Something different.

govols comments on May 23, 2019:

Hard to tell...Is that paper swans on a stick? Looks cool...

Naomi replies on May 23, 2019:

Yes, govols! Lol.

Something different.

govols comments on May 23, 2019:

Hard to tell...Is that paper swans on a stick? Looks cool...

Naomi replies on May 23, 2019:

I found the branch in a nearby woodland. I varnished it and made origami birds to decorate it. Some are glued to the branch and the others dangle from it.

Very curious - is this evidence of IDW 'shadow banning!?

Naomi comments on May 22, 2019:

Hello. I can still access the very post you mention.

Naomi replies on May 22, 2019:

The admin commented here, by the way.

When there is a group/community, there is always politics.

postmaster comments on May 22, 2019:

Serious question: how many here has actually had their post removed or gotten jailed? @KillMeNow666 Let's tell it as it is, the individual got jailed because of her use of vulgar language towards another member (she said so herself before being tossed and again through her dying father's ...

Naomi replies on May 22, 2019:

Hello. Apology accepted. Lol. Thank you for your input. Like you say, time to move on.

Very curious - is this evidence of IDW 'shadow banning!?

Naomi comments on May 22, 2019:

Hello. I can still access the very post you mention.

Naomi replies on May 22, 2019:

Not sure if I'm with you, jneedler. If you can access it the way you did, why bother choosing a different way that is not functioning properly...

What is your "Gangster Name"?

Eingram439 comments on May 22, 2019:

Skinwater

Naomi replies on May 22, 2019:

Hello. You mean you're naked...?

Trump freaked out at Fox News for hosting a live event with Pete Buttigieg, who got a standing ...

Jeeper752 comments on May 21, 2019:

It's VERY early and no one has gotten the kind examination that is coming. This is the time in the last Presidential cycle that the media treated Donad Trump like a talking dog, an amusement of no lasting consequence, and DEFINITELY going nowhere...

Naomi replies on May 22, 2019:

Hello. Interesting times, eh?

When there is a group/community, there is always politics.

gmanglk comments on May 21, 2019:

It will take time, and I am working up my input for those with less a life than I and may care. But I must admit I enjoy the I am gonna leave I quit I I I I waaaaaaaaa,,,,,,,,,,,,reminds of the child that stands before you and holds their breath as some sort of threat. In any case every one please ...

Naomi replies on May 21, 2019:

Stickers, badges, stamps for boys and girls. Lol. Thank you for your input. x

What is your "Gangster Name"?

Garsco comments on May 21, 2019:

Bluewater

Naomi replies on May 21, 2019:

Not bad, actually. Could be a cool gangster name.

What is your "Gangster Name"?

KEWallace comments on May 21, 2019:

Gray Water...

Naomi replies on May 21, 2019:

Say no more! LOL!

When there is a group/community, there is always politics.

Varga comments on May 21, 2019:

I’m definitely one of those considering leaving. That said, in the past few days it’s seemed to have settled down. When it begins to remind me of the old days of AOL and MS chatrooms, with the constant flaming I think about leaving.

Naomi replies on May 21, 2019:

Hello. No platforms are perfect, and we're bound to witness some people engaging in silly arguments somewhere - swearing, cursing, insulting, etc. Meanwhile, we always reserve the choice to ignore and move on, tell them not to be stupid, or block them. We mustn't let that kind of people upset us, in my opinion. Remember, there are loads of members you can interact with. I think it's worth staying put, for now, anyway.

What is your "Gangster Name"?

KEWallace comments on May 21, 2019:

Gray Water...

Naomi replies on May 21, 2019:

LOL!

When there is a group/community, there is always politics.

KEWallace comments on May 21, 2019:

Individualism vs collectivism. Individuals must realize there are rules for interacting with each other, but collectivist must realize individuals are ALL different.

Naomi replies on May 21, 2019:

Time to forgive, RemiDallaire. x

When there is a group/community, there is always politics.

KEWallace comments on May 21, 2019:

Individualism vs collectivism. Individuals must realize there are rules for interacting with each other, but collectivist must realize individuals are ALL different.

Naomi replies on May 21, 2019:

Seriously, KEWallace. You placed such a valid comment earlier on. Don't spoil it by getting involved in a silly argument. Take care.

Guido_Provolone has left as well, so has MADcHATTER...?

RemiDallaire comments on May 21, 2019:

I wonder what Dave Rubben would have to say about all this..

Naomi replies on May 21, 2019:

Have a try. If the admin is Canadian, maybe. LOL

When there is a group/community, there is always politics.

KEWallace comments on May 21, 2019:

Individualism vs collectivism. Individuals must realize there are rules for interacting with each other, but collectivist must realize individuals are ALL different.

Naomi replies on May 21, 2019:

@RemiDallaire, @KEWallace "My Dad is bigger than your Dad!" Stop contaminating my post with a silly argument, you two.

Guido_Provolone has left as well, so has MADcHATTER...?

RemiDallaire comments on May 21, 2019:

I wonder what Dave Rubben would have to say about all this..

Naomi replies on May 21, 2019:

What a mystery!

Guido_Provolone has left as well, so has MADcHATTER...?

RemiDallaire comments on May 21, 2019:

I wonder what Dave Rubben would have to say about all this..

Naomi replies on May 21, 2019:

Do you know who the admin guy is exactly? His background, etc?

Guido_Provolone has left as well, so has MADcHATTER...?

RemiDallaire comments on May 21, 2019:

I wonder what Dave Rubben would have to say about all this..

Naomi replies on May 21, 2019:

Hello. People are always bound or divided by opinion, belief, principle, that sort of things. I think it's human nature. Where there is a community, there is politics, and it is inevitable. IDW Community is no different. I can still reserve my choice not to get involved in any political wrestle, though.