Free speech exists in the public square, not on a W2 (you could claim you earned $0 last year all you want, just not to the IRS). In the cases of fraud/libel, the specifics matter.

> it seems obvious that free speech is not absolute

We agree on this, but disagree on where to draw the line. Limiting free speech is an endorsement of the government limiting what I am legally permitted to see, read, and hear. I am unwilling to let the government make that determination on my behalf.

> Just like the right to bear arms does not mean that I can own any type of military weapon.

Private citizens (presumably including the founding fathers) actually used to own canons before the creation of a permanent, federal army!