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> Indeed, there is great power in words. That is both why the First Amendment exists and why some seek to curtail speech they find discomfiting.

But their power is also why the first amendment only applies to the government not being able to persecute you. Why should people have the right to speech without consequence of any sort?

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Of any sort? No. Only certain sorts of consequences are permitted. Turning the forces of government against you in punishment is not to be permitted or tolerated. Other forms of reprisal are permitted and accepted.

Which is why the story about a public university is disturbing. Or the story of a statute for equality being abused in an attempt to silence someone.

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