When Does Freedom Of Expression Cross The Line?

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution states:

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.

Is the freedom of speech (expression) without boundaries?

I was out shopping one morning, buying groceries…the usual stuff.  Afterwards, I put my stuff in the trunk of my car and as I walked to get, I noticed that the car next to me had a funny looking ornament hanging from its rearview mirror.  I didn’t notice at first but as I looked closely, the ornament was a Winnie-the-Pooh stuffed bear hanging from a noose.  I didn’t know what to think at first…was I offended…yes being an African American and given the history of  what the “noose” represents to us.

In case there is anyone who is not familiar with the signifcance of the “noose”:  In the US, a noose is sometimes left as a message in order to intimidate people. Its meaning is derived from its use in segregation era lynchings (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noose).

I am reminded of the situation that recently happened in Spokane Washington…Read: Human Rights Activist Finds Noose On Porch

I don’t know the people who did this nor do I know there intentions; with the continuing racial tension in the  United States of America this symbol creates negativity and hostility.

All I can do is shake my head.

There are two freedoms – the false, where a man is free to do what he likes; the true, where he is free to do what he ought.
-Charles Kingsley