What Happened to Freedom of Speech in this Country?

[beauanderos]

http://www.aolnews.com/nation/article/n ... 1%7C179132 This is how it starts!

[Neckro]

Haha, firing him for that comment. I've seen far worse hate spewed from their commentators. Hell Bill o'Reilly is nothing more then a hate monger who should've been fired long time ago. But he makes them money, so they wont hold him to the same standards.

[Kurr]

Isn't NPR a private company? Aren't the Amendments such as the first meant to limit the government from encroaachment?

What did his "contract" say, Im sure he had one. Did he violate the terms? How about Rick Sanchez, who apparently was also fired for remarks made from CNN.

How about Helen Thomas? Didn't the government fire her? Who pays the "press corp"? She didn't claim rights violations, or pursue legal action.

This ought to turn into a good conversation, so before we all begin, lets start by reviewing the amendment:

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Seems to me CONgress has made no law that is affecting Williams, Sanchez, or Thomas and that would mean their rights have not been violated.

What do ya'll think?

[Neckro]

Yeah, I mistook NPR as a Fox Subsidiary. And government can not limit your speach, unless it falls under the criminal threats and those lines. Private entities can.

[Thogey]

My employees could say something to me or our customers that would get them fired.

My wife (nursing instructor) could easily say something to get her fired.

You could also get thrown off this forum for what you write.

BTW, ef NPR! How's that for exercising freedom.

[Thogey]

Haha, firing him for that comment. I've seen far worse hate spewed from their commentators. Hell Bill o'Reilly is nothing more then a hate monger who should've been fired long time ago. But he makes them money, so they wont hold him to the same standards.

This is a sincere question: What is a hate monger?

I've read this term before but not sure what is means.

[Lemon Thrower]

here is a constitutional law 101:

1. a "right" is a freedom from government, not private, action. e.g. the state shall make no law abridging the freedom of . . .

2. you need state action to have had your rights violated. Is NPR the state? its a close call.

3. you have no right to be free from the consequences of your speech if those consequences come from private actors.

[Neckro]

Haha, firing him for that comment. I've seen far worse hate spewed from their commentators. Hell Bill o'Reilly is nothing more then a hate monger who should've been fired long time ago. But he makes them money, so they wont hold him to the same standards.

This is a sincere question: What is a hate monger?

I've read this term before but not sure what is means.

1.)A person who uses political beliefs or passions of any kind as a platform to express their hatred for another individual. 2.)A media personality who spreads hate under the guise of a political affiliation or a religious belief.

[theo]

I think calling O'Reilly a hate monger is a little much. He is sometimes reactionary and his opinions are occasionally ill-informed, but I'm not going to call him a hate monger just because I might disagree with him.

[Cptindy]

Being a NPR listener this situation caused me to question beyond the firing and into the "Political Correctness" crusade. Controlling media has been controlling our view for quite some time with their typical propaganda movement.

As an employee of anyone you are subject to their interpretations and scrutiny.

At the core, this scenario as other similar situations recently, there is the "view," the "perception," and its implied reaction. Signaling that we can never say or do anything that may hinder a peaceful coexistence with anyone. To be Politically Correct is to be "conformed" to this understanding. Even if this means typical common emotion and response to be overlooked and kept in check. At all levels one must never slander culture here in the state of SAM.

Unless of course it is a Christian, he is fair game, as the destruction of our principle Founding Fathers message is to be destroyed.