Should we restrict freedom of speech?

[Adrian II]

All the arguments against total free speech are overly complicated ways of adding on to things already illegal anyway.

Even though I agree, I have a slightly different take on the theater thingy, that old hobby-horse* of the censorship crowd.

The right to shout "fire" in a crowded theater is the very essence of freedom of speech. If we are not allowed to shout "fire" unless the theater owners (i.e. the authorities) approve of it, we are not free at all.

If someone falsely shouts "fire" (that is, if the malicious intent to cause harm is proven) he should be punished for causing panic. But only then. And only for causing panic. If some panicking punters crush their kids in their haste to save numer 1, it's their fault and not the fault of the one who shouted fire. I hate that sort of escapist thinking.

EDIT
* Alternately known as a 'cock horse', an unintended pun I thought Madam might appreciate.