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Koyukon · 10-06-2011, 10:18 PM

(10-06-2011 06:24 PM)JDaveG Wrote: Who abridged his freedom of speech? I mean, he said they did, but how did they do that?

This is exactly like the Dixie Chicks situation, and I view it exactly the same way. They said what they said, their core audience didn't like it, and they voted with their feet. That's how free speech works. You say some stupid crap, and I can choose not to purchase your products anymore. Hank Jr. said some stupid crap. ESPN chose not to use his song anymore.

No one told him he couldn't say it anymore. No one threatened to jail him. In fact, there was no state action AT ALL, and the only party bound by the Bill of Rights is the state. So to argue his First Amendment freedoms have been infringed is ridiculous. You want to say crap like that? Start your own football league, start your own sports network, and say whatever the **** you want. Until then, this was a marketing decision. No more, no less. And ESPN is perfectly entitled to do as it pleases with regard to who it lends its airways to.

I agree. the first amendment has to do with the government telling you that you aren't allowed to say something. a private company can. if you don't like it fine. go work some where else.

**Radical** · 10-06-2011, 11:34 PM

(10-06-2011 06:24 PM)JDaveG Wrote: Who abridged his freedom of speech? I mean, he said they did, but how did they do that?

This is exactly like the Dixie Chicks situation, and I view it exactly the same way. They said what they said, their core audience didn't like it, and they voted with their feet. That's how free speech works. You say some stupid crap, and I can choose not to purchase your products anymore. Hank Jr. said some stupid crap. ESPN chose not to use his song anymore.

No one told him he couldn't say it anymore. No one threatened to jail him. In fact, there was no state action AT ALL, and the only party bound by the Bill of Rights is the state. So to argue his First Amendment freedoms have been infringed is ridiculous. You want to say crap like that? Start your own football league, start your own sports network, and say whatever the **** you want. Until then, this was a marketing decision. No more, no less. And ESPN is perfectly entitled to do as it pleases with regard to who it lends its airways to.

Proud clap.

Paulitik · 10-06-2011, 11:41 PM

(10-06-2011 07:23 PM)mcsupersport Wrote: http://semiskimmed.net/bushhitler.html

just a few.

Umm... I never said that people didn't compare Bush to Hitler, they absolutely did. But the last 3 years, the right has taken over the Hitler comparison mantle, that can't be denied. If Bush were still president, I'm sure the usual suspects would call him Hitler too.

Can we just all agree comparing anyone to Hitler besides Hitler himself, (or Drew Brees) is utterly ridiculous?

Drathdon · 10-07-2011, 12:53 AM

Sad thing is that people claim he called Obama Hitler, when all he did was compare the pairing of the head Republican and Democrat to that of a Nazi and Jew, a statement on how badly the two parties were working together.

Of course, with the education system in shambles, you can't expect people to have reading comprehension.

JDaveG · 10-07-2011, 07:01 AM

(10-07-2011 12:53 AM)Drathdon Wrote: Sad thing is that people claim he called Obama Hitler, when all he did was compare the pairing of the head Republican and Democrat to that of a Nazi and Jew, a statement on how badly the two parties were working together.

Of course, with the education system in shambles, you can't expect people to have reading comprehension.

He also called the President "the enemy of the United States," so there's a bit more context to it than what you imply.

Jesus · 10-07-2011, 07:41 AM

But how will I know when to get ready for some football?

***phocis850*** · 10-07-2011, 11:08 AM

I typically don't watch MNF. It will be odd not hearing the song though.

FireDawg85 · (This post was last modified: 10-07-2011 11:18 AM by FireDawg85.)

Whatever happened to Kanye and his "Bush Hates Black People" speech? Did MTV decide to not to show his video's or performances. So its ok to call someone a racist but if you refer someone to a man who wanted a perfect race, you are done for. Reminds me of the movie V for Vendetta when the guy mocks the leader on his TV show.

Phatty Wan Kenobi · 10-07-2011, 11:55 AM

The Dixie Chicks decided to make a political statement during one of their concerts. Not what the fans paid for and therefore the inappropriate place to voice political opinion. Hank Williams voiced his opinion on Fox which was the correct forum for political opinions whether they are good ones are not. If Hank Williams worked in a jab about the president in his intro during MNF then that would be inappropriate and not what ESPN paid the rights to.

The Dixie Chicks fans directly decided their fate. ESPN on the other hand decided for the fans.

keithbrooking56 · 10-07-2011, 11:59 AM

(10-07-2011 11:55 AM)Phatty Wan Kenobi Wrote: The Dixie Chicks decided to make a political statement during one of their concerts. Not what the fans paid for and therefore the inappropriate place to voice political opinion. Hank Williams voiced his opinion on Fox which was the correct forum for political opinions whether they are good ones are not. If Hank Williams worked in a jab about the president in his intro during MNF then that would be inappropriate and not what ESPN paid the rights to.

The Dixie Chicks fans directly decided their fate. ESPN on the other hand decided for the fans.

That's where I am at as well. I understand that his right to speech simply deals with the government and not the private sector. However I think it is absurd that we are at a point where people lose jobs/endorsements because of expressing political or religious views ESPECIALLY when those comments do not take place at said job or in relation to an employer.