Is an extremist reasonable? No, but I suppose that there may be some exceptions somewhere. Are political extremists dangerous? That depends on what they are doing to support their cause. Are political extremists tolerant? Probably not. Intolerance can be very dangerous because it is capable of being a freedom stealer. Intolerance causes accusation. Intolerance has been known to cause scandal. It can cause the ruinaton of careers. Is some extremism in support of a favorable cause? Yes, but does a favorable cause demand the implementation of extremism? Sometimes. If an extremist can speak in favor of his cause and not damage those who oppose him; then his extremism is not dangerous. Freedom of speech is one of the greatest rights of a free people. It does not exist in most nations, and in this nation it is constantly being tested.
"The basis of the First Amendment is the hypothesis that speech can rebut speech, propaganda will answer propaganda, free debate of ideas will result in the wisest governmental policies."
Frederick M. Vinson (1890-1953) US Supreme Court Justice: (Dennis v. United States, 1951)
"No danger flowing from speech can be deemed clear and present unless the incidence of the evil apprehended is so imminent that it may befall before there is an opportunity for full discussion. Only an emergency can justify repression."
Justice Louis D. Brandeis (1856-1941) US Supreme Court Justice: (Whitney v. California, 1927)
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