Free Speech and Political Correctness

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.

1st Amendment; US Constitution

With the dismissal today of the National Public Radio political reporter Juan Williams we have reached a new level of public censorship. In this case Mr. Williams was discussing his personal feelings about traveling on public transportation with people who are easily identified as muslim.

When we reach a point were no one is allowed to express their personal opinions, for fear their boss will fire them what are we saying about our society? I can understand when comments are provocative like calling for criminal behavior, or when they create a clear and immediate danger, like yelling "fire" in a crowded place, but to limit adult speech because we may offend seems to go the heart of all that is wrong with this swing to left.

We would be well served to recognize that real dialogue and thoughtful change can only occur when we are willing to openly discuss all sides of an issue. This may mean that someone will hear something they don't like or agree with. The reasonable adult should be able to filter that for themselves. I understand that on many campuses today professors are actively engaged in defining what is acceptable speech for the youth they are teaching. If they are like the professors I had they really didn't want to listen to opposing views. The difference is I think they now have administration support to call it incorrect speech and condemn it out of existence. What kind of real education will that lead to?

Watching the video, what I find most interesting was his prefacing remarks where he attempts to explain he is not bigot BUT... How many times have we seen people do the same thing when they are accused of racial discrimination? I wonder if he was fired because of his remarks, or because they were made on FOX?

Another amusing twist is Whoopi Goldberg and the rest of the cast of the View calling for his reinstatement. This would be the same Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar who stormed off the set when Bill O'Reilly pointed out that 70% of American's don't want the Mosque built in the area near the site of the twin towers attack and they were out of touch. I wonder if they would be so quick to jump to the defense of O'Reilly (or any white journalist) if he was fired for making insensitive remarks.

While I am on the subject of the Mosque... why the heck is this a national issue? Last time I checked Manhattan is part of NYC and they have all the zoning laws they need to decide this issue.