Are lies protected speech HERE? There is hyperbole, and there is a lie (see Verb 2nd definition). First of all, why do people lie? One reason is to gain an advantage materially, or in prestige. Another reason is to cover up shame or embarrassment. And, it might also be to evade the consequences of one’s actions. Lastly, they may be used to protect someone from consequences such as hiding a Jew in NAZI Germany during WW II. Regardless of the reason, all lies are wrong, although they can always be justified.

If the lie is based upon the last example, then there are Biblical examples in which God blessed the liar even though lying was still a sin. So, the bottom line is that a lie can at times be legitimately preferable to the truth. Of course, one can decline to say anything, which eliminates the need, or excuse to lie.

When lying is particularly egregious is in the case of the first example above; to gain advantage. In the linked article, Trump is suing a news agency for trying to deceive the voting public into thinking Trump had lost the election, and therefore don’t vote if your a Trump supporter. This amounts to a fiduciary violation of the public trust, as the news media is a public servant by implication, and in some people’s minds, by inference. Food for thought all you people in the media with your obvious biases.

The news media has been monikered with the label of “Fake News” by Trump. Indeed, much of the news (propaganda) is fake! So, to answer the question, “NO!”, lying is not protected speech in this writer’s opinion. Slander is lying about someone verbally, and there are at the very least civil consequences for that. Perjury is another example where verbal lying is unacceptable and has criminal consequences. The same applies to libel which is written lies denigrating someone’s character or reputation.

Anyone, and everyone, is free to lie, but they don’t have the right to lie. Americans need to discern the difference between freedom and rights. With freedom goes responsibility, and rights are inherent to everyone!

Pensiamento Peligroso