> Many students believe that westen countries such as USA and Australia
> are "free", people have the right to freedom of speech....
> Maybe some of you also visit "## ESL Forums". If so, you
> will find that freedom of speech is NOT available or that forum even
> if you follow the posted guidelines. Freedom of speech in the USA is
> a myth! The powers that be can shut you up if they so choose.
> Comments welcome.

In Australia, and I suspect the U.S.A. is the same, you can go to any PUBLIC place, a park, on the sidewalk, wherever, and say whatever you like, provided you don't breach anti-racism legislation.

In Australia, and I suspect the U.S.A. is the same, if you go to any PRIVATE place, someone's home, an office, wherever, the owner and/or occupier of that place can refuse you entry and/or eject you if he/she doesn't like what you say.

Take a moment to think about it. How long would you allow me to remain in your home if I started a long spiel about how butt-ugly your mother and sisters are, even if you knew in your heart that it was true?

On a privately operated internet forum the operator can modify, edit and delete whichever posts he/she chooses. This has nothing whatsoever to do with 'free speech'.