Johnson on Free Speech
Freedom of speech is one of America’s tenets. It’s always discussed during political campaigns, and the firing of Juan Williams by NPR for saying something he believed has focused additional attention to the subject of free speech. Although the freedom of speech is part of the American foundation, it’s not absolute. So, for example, Juan Williams could be fired for saying something his employer found offensive. Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. is often quoted from one of his opinions while he was on the U.S. Supreme Court that free speech does not give one the right to shout fire in a crowded theatre even if it’s true. Samuel Johnson, speaking figuratively I’m sure, put it another way:
“Every man has a right to utter what he thinks truth, and every other man has the right to knock him down for it.”
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Let’s face it. This has absolutely nothing to do with free speech. Employees who have a public persona are expected to represent their employers. Their employers have every right to expect this. Simultaneously representing NPR and Fox is like simultaneously representing PETA and the beef industry. It cannot be done and anyone who thinks it can is crazy.
Thanks for your comment, Ann. You’re exactly right. However, some people have a misconception about the meaning of free speech and its breadth. I like your PETA/beef industry comparison.
John
I love the PETA/Beef parallel too.
The other issue is that of credibility. Juan Williams has been an outspoken critic of racial profiling, and his credibility on that subject wanes when he says Muslims should expect to be profiled, while blacks should not. To a news organization like NPR, credibility is the most important asset, and Juan Williams has gone out of his way to try to devalue that asset. Any employer has the right to discipline or terminate an employee who intentionally devalues the company’s assets – especially when the employee gains from the sabotage.
And all will be fine as long as Juan Williams continues to rail on Muslims. If he returns to voicing his opinion on bigotry, prejudice and racism aimed at Black America, he’ll discover what his new friends are all about. But that’s another issue…
Great addition, Frank. I doubt that Williams returns to his inconsistent positions on race. Two million can keep you on the straight and narrow (and I do mean narrow) for quite a while.
As always, thanks for your comments.
John