> I'm glad we have the first amendment, which prevents prior restraints and criminalizing unpopular speech
Then why is it that the US ranks lower than the UK on the Press Freedom Index? How exactly has allowing the most vile and offensive hate speech protected you or improved your nation?
Because back in the 1960's, someone speaking out about giving black people equal rights could have been called "vile" and "offensive." That which the majority considers "hate speech" one day might be considered good the next.
Long story short: if you stifle the speech of anyone - say, if they're objecting to an overzealous monarch who demands taxation without representation, OR objecting to puritanical standards that don't allow for interracial marriage - progress will not happen.
Then why is it that the US ranks lower than the UK on the Press Freedom Index? How exactly has allowing the most vile and offensive hate speech protected you or improved your nation?