The Essence of Free Speech

Sarah Palin and Bobby Jindal are IDIOTS. 

Naturally, they are defending on "free speech" grounds Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson's loathsome comment against gays and blacks.

This is NOT a free speech issue. Free Constitutional speech applies to the GOVERNMENT which cannot make a law prohibiting most speech or take away the right of anyone to exercise his religion.

This is about a TV show (private enterprise) getting protest from viewers. It is the private enterprise (the wingnuts love so much) executives' right to CAN that sorry jerk's posterior if they so choose!

Duck and Cover--Swift Truth and Profound Consequences

For those of you who do not know what the reality series "Duck Dynasty" is, I paste this link about its "star" Phil Robertson here or below. The reality show on A & E is watched and, incredulously to me, loved by many especially those on the extremist right who adore its southern, anti-intellectual red meat profane tone. Its "star" Phil Robertson made the following hate-infused comment according to Huffington Post: “In an interview with GQ's Drew Magary expressed his view that homosexuality was immoral, likening it to bestiality. Some of the remarks were made using off-color language.

Backlash was widespread and pronounced, including condemnation from GLAAD and the Human Rights Campaign.

On Wednesday evening, A&E released this statement to Entertainment Weekly":

We are extremely disappointed to have read Phil Robertson’s comments in GQ, which are based on his own personal beliefs and are not reflected in the series Duck Dynasty. His personal views in no way reflect those of A&E Networks, who have always been strong supporters and champions of the LGBT community. The network has placed Phil under hiatus from filming indefinitely.

I perused the show once because of the hoopla surrounding it and wondered who would watch that ugly show. It was, in my opinion, yuk-awful. The times have, indeed, changed after hard fought victories by the LGBT communities in this country and around the world. There NOW will be a price one WILL pay in public life here if one venomously besmirches an entire group that numbers in the millions. That is now a FACT and none too soon.

For those of us who value intellect, science, and fact-based opinions being gay, for most, is a state of being. It simply is. It is written in one's genetic code more than it is about personal choice. When know nothing right wingnut extremists impervious to truth use their speech to threaten, hate and to-the-core offend an entire group they will suffer the consequences. If they are in the media eye and if it becomes publicly known they will face suspension or firing. If they are candidates for high office they will lose more than they now will win at the ballot box. If they are among the massive masses then we of humane and educated thought will stand up against their hate.

Words matter. The words Robertson spoke are not only ridiculous but give credence and, to those of ignorance, give rationale handing them a permission slip to do violence. In the past gay people have killed themselves, tried to or have been brutally slain like Matthew Shepard because they could not change that which nature's edict pronounced. Some suffered in silence and braved the torment. Others eventually, in time, fought back.

I do not care if "Duck Dynasty" is now ducking and covering. What is happening to Phil Robertson the "star" of Duck, should give sway to anyone in the media-driven limelight not to speak hate. If they must hate in public they must suffer the consequences. The shoe, in our time, finally, is on the other foot. The consequences now these public haters face will be swift, consequential and profound!

EACH DAY PRODUCES ANOTHER REASON WHY DEMOCRATS MUST BE ELECTED NATIONWIDE AND REPUBLICAN HATERS MUST BE DEFEATED SOUNDLY.  IT IS MY DREAM FOR REPUBLICANS TO BE ELECTORALLY CRUSHED AND NEVER TO REAR THEIR UGLY POLITICS AGAIN OR TO KEEP IT CONTAINED IN THE REDDEST OF STATES BUT TURNING THOSE WE CAN DEMOCRAT BLUE.  WE MUST UNCEASINGLY WORK TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN AND ENSURE DEMOCRATS TAKE THE HOUSE, KEEP THE SENATE AND IN 2016 RETAIN THE PRESIDENCY.  THE LIFE OF NOTHING LESS THAN THE REPUBLIC, YOUR LIVES AND THOSE OF YOUR POSTERITY ARE AT STAKE!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/18/phil-robertson-duck-dynasty_n_4469887.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003