Freedom of Speech May Not Be Free

In the United States, the words "freedom of speech" are practically the first words we learn.

The First Amendment to The Constitution states that..."Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

So it's written right there in our Constitution...the supreme law of the land. We can say anything we want.

Now, it goes without saying that you can't yell fire in a crowded theater...that isn't free speech, that's stupidity.

That being said - Americans are guaranteed, by law, the right to speak freely.

As usual, though - there's a catch...our right to freedom of speech allows individuals to express themselves without interference or constraint by the government.

It does very little to protect you from the big guy at the end of the bar who doesn't like the fact that you said his girlfriend was ugly. With that one - you're on your own.

In the internet age, people express themselves in all kinds of ways...blogging, facebooking, tweeting - and so on. People post all kinds of thoughts on the internet. In fact you're reading my thoughts right now...

Unfortunately, having the right to say it doesn't always offer us protection from repercussions. Case in point - the big guy in the bar, sure you have every right in the world to call his woman ugly...I hope that comes as consolation while you're in recovery.

There's something else you need to be careful of when it comes to posting your thoughts on the web...losing your job.

Believe it or not, people are being fired for "speaking" their mind on the internet.

Facebook for example.

In June 2010, a man employed as a mascot for the Pittsburgh Pirates was fired for posting a comment on his Facebook status about the team's choice to extend the contracts of two of its managers.

Andrew Kurtz, 24, was fired within hours of posting this status update; "Coonelly extended the contracts of Russell and Huntington through the 2011 season. That means a 19-straight losing streak. Way to go Pirates." (You can read the full story here.)

Here's another story about a girl fired for saying her job was boring on Facebook...

Or, worse yet, not hired. Read this story about a guy who complained about his job before his first day of employment.

I can understand an employer not wanting people facebooking and tweeting during working hours - but you also have to remember that the things you post on the internet while on your own time might be seen by the man.

Let's face it - we all complain about our jobs occasionally, it's human nature - but complaining about it on the internet may not be the brightest idea you've ever had.

I'm not saying we should voluntarily give up our right to freedom of speech, but we should think a little bit before we exercise it.

It may not be really fair...but it is fairly real, so be careful.

There's one sure way to be safe.

Before you post something on the web - for all the world to see - ask yourself one question..."Would I say this to my boss?" ...because once you put it out there on the web, you may find yourself exercising your freedom of speech in the unemployment line.