Justice William J. Brennan Quote

"All ideas having even the slightest redeeming social importance --
unorthodox ideas, controversial ideas, even ideas hateful to the
prevailing climate of opinion, have the full protection of the
guarantees [of the First Amendment]."

by:	Justice William J. Brennan (1906-1997) U. S. Supreme Court Justice
Source:	Roth v. United States, 1957
Rating:
Categories:	Constitution, Individual Rights, Justice, Press, Reason, Religion, Speech, Tolerance, Agnostic
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Bravo! Even the most hideously hateful philosophies such as that of Westboro Baptist Churh in Topeka, Kansas (www.godhatesfags.com) have some small importance in the world of ideas, if only to serve to others as examples to true seekers of the evil that bigoted fanaticism can create in man.  -- Alfred Egmont, Somewhere in Wisconsin
At least that's how it should be. Alfred is on point.  -- anonymous
Not shooting the messenger (he saying one thing and consistently voting contrary to the concept of the here quote) YES ! Those that would speak on the ideas of freedom, liberty, natural law and originating Constitutional intent are called terrorists. Ideas of any religion outside the religion of atheistic socialism are forbidden in government schools, all public arenas and are legislated against by occupying statist theocracy infesting this land's activist courts, congress' canons and executive tyranny. Freedom, liberty, natural law, and the originating intent of the Constitution are all considered hateful ideas to the prevailing climate of opinion.  -- Mike, Norwalk
If only he would have also said that the press must give the whole story to the public and not edit it to give their own opinion. Mike, you are correct about this justice who served with Earl Warren and helped him rewrite the constitution for their own satisfaction.  -- cal, Lewisville, tx
There is a strange phenomenon. Right mindedness and where it resides. If, perceived at first, then found to be true that God which ordains liberty and freedom, by way of grace inalienable to man, then sad puppy dog stories and pointing fingers always comes from the back row. That which is contrary to the laws of nature is judged already. To run a true rescue all are welcomed in the door ! Shame on the preacher who would turn any Vile person away, shame on any Vile person who would promote unrighteousness.  -- Ron w13, Or
Ron, define unrighteousness.  -- jim k, austin tx
Ron, One man's religion is another mans belly ache. I believe this comes from H.L.Mencken.  -- jim k, austin tx
This has nothing to do with religion ! It has to do with moral and immoral behavior contrary to Good behavior. Man has the inherited nature to be contrary to common sense. Moral statutes and testimonies kept and adhered to allow one to walk at Liberty, free to do as you will. Goodness by way of love your neighbor. The law is for the lawless. Obedience to laws of decency and respect of that which is worthy of respect bring about a peaceful lifestyle. Unrighteousness is the result of being contrary to right behavior. Denominational religions hold the truth in unrighteousness. Promoting superficial will worship and socialistic democracy. There is no neutral standing between right and unright. ! Nature teaches us this fact. Consider the birds and bees. One is hot or cold. He who hesitates is lost. Know Thyself and thy Constitution, test your resolve.  -- Ron w13, Or
hi  -- sina, mehregan
-- jim k, Austin
-- Mary, MI

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