Freedom of speech and responsibility

One of the most refreshing things about living in the USA is the protection of the freedom of speech and the fact that, for most people, it is a right that is both taken seriously and respected.  OK, there are downsides; like having to put up with the evil hate that is spouted by groups like the Westboro Baptist group (I really don't like to call them a Church because they are basically an extended family of nut cases).  And then there is the rabid rabble raising of Hannity, O'Reilly and Beck.  But, for the most part the right is used respectfully and sensibly.

Contrast this with the embarrassing state of the media in Europe where in France it is almost impossible to report the sexual/criminal activities of the rich and powerful; meanwhile in the UK rich celebrities and sportsmen like Ryan Giggs can take out expensive court injunctions to prevent the women that they have had affairs with from telling anyone.  Top it all with the disgusting activities of Rupert Murdoch's News International empire who hacked into the phones of a murdered child and British soldiers killed in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Bearing in mind that the Fox channel is owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Group, I'd still rather put up with Hannity, O'Reilly and Beck than the insidious activities of his empire in Europe.  At least I can choose whether I listen to them or not and I don't have to worry that they are hacking my phone or have me under covert surveillance.