FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IS NOT ABSOLUTE. Is it?

(My insights on Moral, Ethics and Laws of Blogging)

        The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference, and impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers". Does this mean then that we can say whatever we want say to anyone, at any given period of time and with no limitations regardless of content and approach?

       Just imagine the world without rules, regulations, laws, moral standards, ethics and guiding principles. What if people can just do sexual intercourse anywhere, anytime and with anyone--- the world will be in chaos! Same thing is true with freedom of expression and speech in blogging.

After a slow start, blogging rapidly gained in popularity. Blog usage spread during 1999 and the years following. According to statistics on February 20, 2014, there were around 249.1 million blogs in existence. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blog) Just imagine how many more blogs were added from March to this date--- that includes mine.

The wide and rapid growing readers of blogs share different opinions and ideas. These opinions and ideas are being public to anyone in the loop of e- communication; there is then a massive exchange of messages. But, until what extent?

By 2004, the role of blogs became increasingly main stream, as political consultants, news services, and candidates began using them as tools for outreach and opinion forming. It is even used to destroy political rivals and or any person wanting to put someone in the limelight.

Let us take a look at the blog created solely for the highlighting of the case of PO2 Frenzel Mendoza, a member of La Trinidad Police Station who allegedly shot two men known to him. (http://baguiocopshotkilled2innocentmen.wordpress.com/)... The blog site was created only for said issue. No identified writer. It is anonymous. The contents are focused on the “merciless killing” as the writer perceives. It also tackles issue linking to political persona (the mayor of the town).

The write-ups simply expressed the opinions, ideas and feelings of the one who created it. However, there is partiality on the presentation of facts. Yes, we will not tolerate the act of killings. PO2 Mendoza is now suffering the consequences of what he has done. But what he did should not be the measure to conclude that all members of the Philippine National Police, specifically Police Regional Office – Cordillera are merciless killers. It is not also wise to conclude that the Mayor connived with him and that the killing was premeditated. These are mere assumptions. Said blog gathered sympathy from numerous readers, expressing their own angst to the incident. Believing what they read was all true. The people behind the issue were already given trial by publicity. They were convicted according to the reader’s point of view. In this case, there is unfair judgment.

That is the power of information dissemination. It can either make or unmake a person, the reason why we should be more responsible users. As we enjoy the privileges of e-communication, we should take a look at the accountabilities incorporated with our usage.

Laws on mass media and recently on cybercrimes were created and being imposed for our protection. We should be aware of those laws for it is said “ignorance of the law, excuses no one.”

We were taught in our childhood in Luke 6:31 “Do unto others what you want others do unto you.” It is the golden rule. If we want respect, then we must respect others first. If we want a good response from our readers, we should give them good readings.

http://www.blogger.com/profile/15124429406544104531

Communication is essential to one’s survival. Blogging is a door for communication. Therefore, it is a tool for our survival. Why would we destroy the use of this tool if it is for our good? Don’t we want to survive?

Accountability is the key. We are accountable of our own actions. What we blog is our choice, so we will be held accountable for it. If we want to be treated as garbage, post garbage… after all, we will all be seated in the judgment seat of Christ, where our actions will be given due credit.

For me, the key points of blogging are:

1.    “Garbage in, garbage out.”

2.    Do unto others what you want others do unto you.

3.    There is a choice. To make or unmake.

4.    We should be responsible users.

5.    We are accountable of our own actions.

6.    Blogging is a door for communication. Don’t close it for nonsense.

After all, freedom of expression is not absolute. Anything done beyond standard is dangerous and unacceptable.
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Picture courtesy of: https://www.google.com.ph/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=JvGD42AHD-jL_M&tbnid=UgH8wznEBn2QeM:&ved=0CAYQjB0&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bigstockphoto.com%2Fimage-1603548%2Fstock-photo-person-sitting-in-front-of-computer&ei=Z0chVIrSH4K2ogSk1oFA&bvm=bv.75775273,d.cGU&psig=AFQjCNGjLLp3ur0dfAzmWK9Fggm10YrRbA&ust=1411553507065690