Reply #28: The difference between "fighting words" and advocating violence...

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That's where I draw the difference. "Kill (insert religion here)" or "Destroy (insert religion or minority group here)" qualify and I agree would cross the line. THAT is inciting, encouraging, and advocating violence.

But setting the standard up for "fighting words" as anything that criticizes something that someone else likes or supports or believes in is a pretty broad brush to paint with when limiting free expression. Would an "Impeach Bush" shirt have qualified? Those are fighting words to Republicans. What about "Atheists suck" or "Atheists are going to Hell"? What about an anti-Iraq war shirt? Would those be "fighting words" to another kid whose parent may or may not be fighting in the war?

I'm an atheist and while I would think the shirt was stupid I can't imagine it compelling me to fight anyone.

I do understand that people have varying degrees of what offends or incites them, but how far do we take it to the point where no person can express anything on a shirt or in whatever manner they choose?