“but neither should that insulate them from criticism or pointing out when “criticism” becomes hate speech and bullying.”
That’s also a leftist argument. There is some merit to it but I usually err on the side of free speech. The problem is, as the current situation illustrates, what x considers “hate speech”, y considers “free speech”. My observation has been opposing sides on an issue will flip-flop on
their tolerance level for free speech depending if they see it as in their interests. Although I believe in an objective view it’s not always clear to me which is the correct view that’s another reason why I usually support (other than absolute lunatic examples) the right to utter hate speech.
Having the right to utter hate speech doesn’t mean you necessarily have to provide a platform or listen to the other person. I block trolls all the time as I don’t want to waste my time with someone that doesn’t want to debate but rather just engage in constant personal or ethnic attacks. I don’t view it as infringing on their right to say what they want to say about me or Greeks. Just go say it someone else. (I’ll draw the line on libel only if personal identifiable information is involved)
When I’m talking about free speech my main concern is when governments get involved by passing legislation to ban something anywhere. For instance I don’t agree with current American resolution trying to enshrine the IHRA definition of antisemitism into the criminal code.. Not because antisemitism doesn’t exist but I think the definition is partially wrong and that if anything it will generate antisemitism by treating criticism of Israel differently than other states..
For example, it has an clause that claims comparing Israel to a Nazi Germany is antisemitic. If such an absurd passage passed you would have to arrest millions. Comparing a country including Israel, to Nazi Germany, is very common online (Nazi absurdium, Godwin’s law, whatever you want to call it). If you pass a law that says it’s fine to compare Iran, or Russia, or China, or US, or xyz country .. .but only Israel can’t be compared to Nazi Germany.. .100 percent chance… 100 percent.. .that it will generate hostility towards both Israel and Jews.
Albeit well intended attacking free speech tends to lead to the opposite effect than intended. (Consider how conservatives reacted when some leftists try to legislate the pronouns they should use under “hate speech” legislation)