Speaking in Berlin, Germany as part of his new role as secretary of state, John Kerry discussed the freedoms enjoyed in America and, specifically, the freedom of speech and religion. He took an unusual approach in describing American freedoms, indicating to German students that in America, "you have the right to be stupid if you want to be." And it’s a good thing too, because if Americans didn’t have the right to be stupid, the prisons would be even more full than they are now.
Kerry, of course, was not stressing that he wants Americans to be stupid, or that he encourages them to be stupid. Really, he just meant that the freedoms afforded Americans give them the right to do many things, even if not in their own best interests. "As a country, as a society, we live and breathe the idea of religious freedom and religious tolerance, whatever the religion, and political freedom and political tolerance, whatever the point of view," Kerry noted.
"People have sometimes wondered about why our Supreme Court allows one group or another to march in a parade even though it's the most provocative thing in the world and they carry signs that are an insult to one group or another," he added. Kerry’s line about the right to be "stupid" drew laughter from the students assembled, though many were probably thinking to themselves, "so that’s why Americans act that way." Added Kerry, "And we tolerate it. We somehow make it through that. Now, I think that's a virtue. I think that's something worth fighting for. The important thing is to have the tolerance to say, you know, you can have a different point of view."
Kerry, of course, was not stressing that he wants Americans to be stupid, or that he encourages them to be stupid. Really, he just meant that the freedoms afforded Americans give them the right to do many things, even if not in their own best interests. "As a country, as a society, we live and breathe the idea of religious freedom and religious tolerance, whatever the religion, and political freedom and political tolerance, whatever the point of view," Kerry noted.
"People have sometimes wondered about why our Supreme Court allows one group or another to march in a parade even though it's the most provocative thing in the world and they carry signs that are an insult to one group or another," he added. Kerry’s line about the right to be "stupid" drew laughter from the students assembled, though many were probably thinking to themselves, "so that’s why Americans act that way." Added Kerry, "And we tolerate it. We somehow make it through that. Now, I think that's a virtue. I think that's something worth fighting for. The important thing is to have the tolerance to say, you know, you can have a different point of view."