tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2759913671101666257.post1028682607626246493..comments2023-05-24T06:02:06.480-05:00Comments on Chuck's Chatter: Vulgarity vs. InsultingChuck Doswellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03099345055614900157noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2759913671101666257.post-4550354802750421642012-03-28T23:20:26.329-05:002012-03-28T23:20:26.329-05:00Your point, insofar as it goes, is a point well-ta...Your point, insofar as it goes, is a point well-taken. However, it's a rather literal interpretation of what "freedom of speech" means in this day and age. Having listeners choose to stop listening to Rush's show is a very different way to respond than for the sponsors to bail out and threaten the very continuance of the show. <br /><br />Rush is certainly free to yell his opinions out of his bedroom window or to present them in speaking engagements around the world if he gets the invitations, but his access to a wide audience is threatened if his sponsor bail out and the show is cancelled for lack of sponsorship. I see that as a subtle form of censorship - enforced political correctness, if you will. <br /><br />I don't support what he says, but I'm willing to allow him the opportunity to make an ass of himself on his radio show. In fact, I <i>like</i> the fact that he has access to a "large microphone". It exposes what a jerk he is to as many people as possible. <br /><br />I do appreciate your comments - they are entirely appropriate and are an example of the sort of discussion I hope my blog can generate! Thank you for your contribution! Even if we don't see exactly eye-to-eye ...Chuck Doswellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03099345055614900157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2759913671101666257.post-66820266746999723422012-03-28T18:39:19.561-05:002012-03-28T18:39:19.561-05:00I disagree that the withdrawal of sponsors is limi...I disagree that the withdrawal of sponsors is limiting "free speech". Neither you nor I require sponsorship to offer our opinions freely. I do not agree with Mr. Limbaugh's positions nor do I agree with his choice of language to express his viewpoints. I will defend his right to say it. However, that right doesn't come with the necessity of a radio "network" built around it.<br /><br />When listeners (and non-listeners) object to what Mr. Limbaugh said and decide to reject companies that support his business, they are practicing free speech, too. And the businesses that respect the opinions of their customers are practicing the concepts of the "free market". Likewise, the companies are practicing the concepts of the "free market" by removing their support from a person or product that doesn't provide a useful benefit to them.<br /><br />If Mr. Limbaugh has to voice his opinions with a smaller microphone, no one has affected his free speech. He is still permitted to say whatever he likes but freedom of speech doesn't guarantee a megaphone to accompany that speech.<br /><br />--Kevin Huyck.Weather Guesserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10289010947632055467noreply@blogger.com