“Congress shall make no law … abridging freedom of speech, or of the press The major reason for the existence of that clause is to allow unrestrained political debate Personal invective had been part of debate since colonial times. When the 1[SUP]st[/SUP] Amendment was written it was understood that the right to insult was to continue to be a protected part of that political discussion. That invective forms a rich part of our political heritage.
You and I were long friends; you are now my enemy and I am Yours, Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) to William Strahan
A crafty and lecherous old hypocrite whose very statue seems to gloat on the wenches as they walk the States House yard.
William Cobbett (1763-1835), on Benjamin Franklin (1706-90), American statesman and scientist
… and to you, sir, treacherous in private friendship … and a hypocrite in public life, the world will be puzzled to decide whether you are an apostate or an impostor, whether you have abandoned good principles or whether you ever had any.
Thomas Paine (1737-1809), letter to George Washington (1732-99)
God damn your god damned old hellfired god damned soul to hell god damn you and god damn your god damned family’s god damned hellfired god damned soul to hell and good damnation god damn them and god damn your god damned friends to hell.
Peter Muggins, American citizen, letter to President Abraham Lincoln (1809-65)
Hey you don’t get more American than that. It is what the forum needs so a visit here is different from watching a day of c-span.
isadore
Senior Member
I
7,762
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I
isadore
Senior Member
7,762
posts
Sat, Jun 2, 2012 12:49 AM
Jun 2, 2012 12:49 AM
Jun 2, 2012 12:49am