Actually, yelling "fire"in a crowded theater is NOT a crime.

It used to be, until the Supreme Court ruled that it is only a crime if it causes someone to commit a crime as a result of the yelling. It was reinforced later in a race case before the Court. Incendiary speech is only a crime if it inspires an other to actually commit a crime. Not a lawyer, but think I am generally correct.

For me, incendiary talk covered by free speech is scary, but our Court feels this scary is not enough to restrict free speech.

The book that the thread is actually about concerns primarily those on the left leveling "racist", "bigot", "homophob" or simply being aggressive in talking to anyone who disagrees. I used the example of, for instance, aomeone who is a Villager and grew up believing and being taught that marriage was between a man and a woman.

That Villages couple saying that they oppose gay marriage (keep in mind that just a short 12 years ago, gay "activity" was illegal and still is in almost half the world). Then because they voiced that opinion, made to feel unAmerican, or morally corrupt or whatever because they have this views. Don't take those words I used as examples literally please...you know what I mean.

That is what the book is about, not just gay marriage, ....actually addresses how that kind of aggressive action stifles conversation totally. How many times have we seen posts on here saying how they respect everyone's personal choices, but do not want it thrown in their faces.

That is what the book, and thread is addressing, not the "legality" of free speech.