AN ODD IDEA OF WHAT FREE SPEECH IS. Joshua Muravchik writes about a new definition of free speech:

What is the meaning of freedom of speech? You might think it means simply the right to say what you want, constrained only by a few common-sense barriers against injuring others. There is, however, another definition of free speech propounded by the likes of Stephen Walt, John Mearsheimer, Jimmy Carter, and other Israel-bashers. By this definition, freedom of speech consists of their right to say what they want without having to suffer demurral or criticism. They complain that supporters of Israel “stifle debate” by, well, debating with them.

Muravchik is referring in particular to MuzzleWatch, which describes itself as "Tracking efforts to stifle open debate about US-Israeli foreign policy," while doing away with comments [see their explanation here].

Technorati Tag: Free Speech.