I don’t think anyone can question my conservative head on. Maybe my discomfort comes from my alignment with true conservative values, a philosophically classic liberal. However, I must say that there is growing concern over public debate about freedom of speech.
With power, it is a political reality to find bridges moving too far, pushing the lines of action too far. You need to always check yourself. Slide into areas where you need to check.
If such ideas are aired, it is clear that some of the influence will need to reread the First Amendment. “This isn’t about cancellation culture. So?
When the Smothers brothers thought they had gone too far with a ridiculous apologies at Lyndon Johnson, his response was classic. He understood the satire. He embraced the right to speak freely, and even satire and wit in a free society, and even cut wit.
Kimmel should have been canned because his show was awful and ABC costs. He’s not funny, so he could be canned.
The real cost of freedom is eternal vigilance to ensure that we find bright lines that should not intersect. Maybe it’s me, but I feel a slippery slope as I acquiesce since 9-11 we acquiesce to acquiesce slowly and invisible changes that reduce our freedom to give false comfort from those that feel uncomfortable. We need to pause from time to time and look back at things bigger and more important. As for me, I accept the Bill of Rights.
