I do not care about your politics. In the States, I do not care if you are a Republican or Democrat. In Canada, I do not care if you are Liberal, Conservative or New Democrat. What I do care about are personal freedoms that good men fought and died for in two World Wars. It is a sad commentary but one of our cherished rights is being eroded and that is freedom of speech.
This comes in the aftermath of the Charlie Kirk shooting. Before this tragic event, I freely admit I did not know a lot about Mr. Kirk, other than the fact that he was a far-right commentator. My sincere condolences go out to the Kirk family. The man is entitled to his opinion, and his viewpoints are protected under the First Amendment, but somehow Jimmy Kimmel is not afforded the same right. I truly do not know what was so offensive by Kimmel’s comments, but that is immaterial. What is troubling is that someone wielding political power effectively had Kimmel taken off the air for something he said, in essence stifling free speech.
It was a completely different story when the roles were reversed. It was not that long ago when Nancy Pelosi’s husband was savagely attacked. Several right-wing commentators had said some very tasteless things to gain political points. Were they silenced? Did the FCC threaten to remove Fox’s broadcast license? They would say they were protected under the First Amendment. It is a double standard at best, hypocrisy at its worst.
Free speech advocates will quote Evelyn Beatice Hall in her 1906 book, The Friends of Voltaire. She wrote, “I disagree with what you say, but I will die for you to have the right to say it”. Where has that sentiment gone? Now it seems to be, I disagree with what you say, and I will kill you if you say it. We need to get back to civility in this country. For those that consider themselves to be Christian, Jesus gave us only one commandment and that is love one another as I have loved you. From that stems the Golden Rule, treat others the way you want to be treated. How do you want to be treated? Would you like to voice your opinion in a respectful fashion on any matter free of violent reprisals? Then treat others the same way.
I like smart people that disagree with me. I will entertain a differing viewpoint so long as it is done in a respectful fashion. Who knows, you might even change my opinion on something making me a wiser man or you may further reinforce my thoughts on the matter at hand. The same holds true for society. We need free speech to enlighten society. It is vital for our growth, and it is crucial for the survival of democracy.
Those that try to silence individuals either through violence or depriving them of their constitutional rights fail to realize that it only backfires on them in the long run. For the gunman in the Kirk shooting, you did not silence him. You made him a martyr. You made people like me curious as to what Kirk said in the past thereby increasing his audience. For those that got Jimmy Kimmel removed, you did not silence him either. You know he will be making the rounds on the talk shows; he will probably be writing a best-selling book, and he will have free reign on his YouTube channel criticizing the far right. I know I will be clicking the like and subscribe buttons.