Since when does not being afraid to speak one's mind automatically make that person right?

[Tommy_Carcetti]

I've had several people (not here on DU, of course) defend Donald Trump's Donald Trumpiness by claiming "He's not afraid to speak his mind" and claiming that such a characteristic is "refreshing" or otherwise makes him more desirable as a presidential candidate.

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not against being able to speak one's mind. That's one of the founding principles of this very nation, in fact.

And you do sometimes come across a person who refreshingly does speak his or her own mind without fear of repercussion, and uses that skill for the purpose of intellectual discourse and discussion. And that's a great thing to see.

But the two aspects of the equation--speaking one's mind and being right or at least intellectually stimulating--are not mutually exclusive.

There are plenty of people out there who feel themselves free to speak their own mind simply because they like to hear themselves talk, without respect to the fact that what comes out of their mouth is complete and utter nonsense. Or even worse, just offensive trash.

So yes, anyone in this country is free to speak his or her mind. That doesn't mean in any way they are automatically worth listening to or entitled to additional respect for their forthrightness.

[hobbit709]

1. Everyone has the right to open mouth and see how far they can insert foot.

[tymorial]

2. Trump clearly isn't right IMO

The fact that he is just saying what he believes without hiding behind politics is kind of refreshing in a sort of I'm disgusted by his comments but at least he isn't lying sort of way. Anyway, despite Trumps boost in the primary numbers, I cannot see him winning the primary. If by some miracle he became the republican candidate, he would be slaughtered. Independents aren't going to vote for him and many who normally stay home will make certain their voice is heard come November next year.

[stevenleser]

3. This is an aspect of human nature I find both fascinating and horrifying.

This is the same reason Russians love Putin and various other strongmen were loved throughout history.

There is an aspect of the human psyche to which strong leaders (at least leaders who appear to be 'strong') appeal and it transcends any bad policies or statements they make/embrace.

[Snobblevitch]

4. Jim Janos did the same thing in Minnesota.

Just because you're a moron who doesn't know when to shut up does not mean what you are saying is 'the truth' or even worth hearing.

[jeff47]

5. It doesn't make them right. It's admirable because you know what they actually believe.

Even when they believe something that is utterly reprehensible.

(To be clear, not lying about their beliefs is the positive trait. Their reprehensible beliefs are not)

[Tommy_Carcetti]

6. I wouldn't say it's "admirable."

More like "helpful."

[ProfessorGAC]

7. I Don't Need To Post Now

You said exactly what i was thinking. At least we know how he thinks.

[Throd]

8. I do appreciate forthrightness over a hidden agenda. n/t

[Nitram]

9. I'd prefer people like that to STFU.

I don't appreciate the honesty of bigots, racists, and idiots.

[Throd]

10. You would rather be deceieved as to who they really are?

[Nitram]

11. I'd rather they kept their stupid mouths shut.

[Throd]

13. I would like to know where a business stands before I give them lots of money.

If I see a confederate flag displayed in a business, I will go elsewhere. I don't want to patronize bigots.

[NightWatcher]

12. These people have never met my uncle. He makes SNL's Drunk Uncle look tame

He'll tell you exactly what he thinks about everyone, and you'll recoil in horror and amazement that he is not in an institution.

I love to be blunt, but it is not always an admirable quality.

[Maeve]

14. "At least he's honest about it"

I don't think I've ever heard that line meant as a real compliment...it implies that the speaker hold stupid/foolish/bigoted ideas that he has just embarassed himself by revealing. True, an honest bigot is easier to identify, but there is something seriously wrong when the best you can say of a man is "at least he's not a TOTAL weasel." Damning with very faint prais, indeed.

(Yeah, I know, the TOTAL weasel is on his head!)

[Adrahil]

15. Yup. My Crazy Uncle Bud isn't afarid to speak his mind.

He is still a bigoted moron.