The Limits of Free Speech: You Can't Threaten the President of the United States

Yesterday while I was hosting our live radio show on WPNN--a discussion of free speech led to an interesting series of text(s) from a listener.

The discussion was in response to Bruce Springsteen's recent derogatory comments about President Donald Trump while the American singer was performing in Europe.

My take is simple.  The fact that Americans can voice their opinions, even about the president's performance, is what separates us from most (if not all) other countries.  Of course we can choose to disagree or for that matter not support celebrities, athletes, actors, or others -- by not purchasing or listening to or watching their work product(s).

Some will choose that route.  Some will try to get some celebrities "Canceled" for certain actions, statements, or conduct by these famous public figures. 

Newsflash:  Free speech means people can say and do things that turn your stomach.  Hate speech is free speech.

But free speech has its limits, naturally.  You cannot yell "FIRE" in a crowded theater.

You cannot yell "BOMB" in the TSA line at the airport.

And....you cannot threaten the President of the United States.

During our show Friday morning on WPNN at texter sent me a mural that someone had painted on Pensacola's iconic "Graffiti Bridge."  This listener took great umbrage to the mural, below

The texter to the show next pulled over and covered the offensive call to action, leaving the mural this way:

The texter to the show said of his handiwork: "Someone wrote 'Kill Trump' on the Graffiti Bridge...I guess it's freedom of Speech but I pulled over and painted over it"

To which I responded "Thank you for doing that!!"

No--that's not free speech.