In Free Speech, a Line Between Offputting and Illegal We're Allowed to Think and Say Disturbing Things Gabe Rottman, American Civil Liberties Union The First Amendment requires us to tolerate the very bad in order to protect the unpopular but good. A Real Threat Must Be Prosecuted Dan Emmett, former Secret Service agent While violent communications can be disturbing, are they criminal? This question looms large for the Secret Service. Be Careful Not to Criminalize Fantasies Mollena Williams, alternative sexuality educator With negotiation and consent, it can be healthy to discuss and explore explicit fantasies that seem outside of the norm. Outlaw Threats by Public Officials Jeffrey Feldman, author, "Outright Barbarous" It has become commonplace for public officials to use violent, threatening rhetoric -- usually against those who disagree with them. A Trend Away From Silencing Offensive Speech David L. Hudson Jr., author, "The First Amendment: Freedom of Speech" There are many categories of unprotected speech, including threats and obscenity. Once these included D.H. Lawrence novels; now courts are more broad minded.