[pphysch]

> I think it's the wrong question. The question of free speech isn't whether your speech is going to make a difference. It's whether you're allowed to express views in public without retaliation from the government.

If your speech is controlled in a way that it has no effect, why would the government spend further resources punishing you? This seems to be a warped perspective on the spirit of democracy and free speech.

[fasterik]

Exactly whose speech is being controlled? You can express basically whatever opinion you want in the United States, as long as it's not inciting violence. The flip side is that everyone else has a right to ignore you or criticize you if they have a differing opinion.