You raise too many good questions here. The real POINT of freedom of speech is that it sets us apart from dictatorships where one can be indefinitely jailed or killed for questioning and criticizing our government. That's it - the absolute right to be publicly critical of our government. It wasn't meant to protect us from yelling a hearty, "Eff YOU!" at our neighbor. Consequences, too, need to be within the scope of the law. I may think less of you for what you say, but I have no right to beat you to a pulp for saying it. EVERYONE, including public figures, deserves the right to be free from defamation - statements against their character, morals, ethics, or business acumen that are not made in good faith but might be believed by "reasonable people." No one should lose their life, freedom, job, or home over statements made in GOOD faith, that they believe to be true.