I have been surprised at just how much attention this is getting. But so many people seem to not understand the basic facts of the situation. Phil Robertson was being interviewed by GQ magazine. He freely made a statement of opinion about gays, and A&E has suspended him from the hit show Duck Dynasty. Many (including Governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin) believe that A&E are trampling on Mr Robertson's right to free speech. Others are demanding he be censored for his anti-gay comments.
There are actually two issues here: 1) Phil Robertson absolutely has the right to speak freely - provided he is willing to accept the consequences. 2) A&E has every right to tell Robertson "You can say anything you like, but you can't say it here."
With respect to part 1 - you can't say anything you want without consequence. That's why laws about libel & slander exist !
With respect to part 2 - A&E can choose to suspend or revoke Mr Robertson's contract, assuming they are willing to abide by any "penalties" written therein. They don't HAVE to do anything. That's their right.
Is what Mr Robertson said abhorrent to some ? Absolutely ! But it's HIS opinion. And we all know that opinions are like noses - everybody has one, and they are entitled to it.
If you disagree with what Robertson says - stop listening to him ! If you disagree with A&E suspending Mr Robertson - change the channel ! Those are YOUR choices !
I hope I haven't offended any of my friends here on my BLOG. I am more than happy to turn this into a constructive dialogue, rather than devolving into rhetoric and hyperbole.
I now get down off my soapbox...
Posted with Blogsy
1 comment:
Agreed... of course this is a little like public office in that nothing comes "out of context" and once you attract attention people start digging... in this specific case theres plenty of material to build a case of "homophobic bigot"... course thats just my "nose" speaking!
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