Phil Robertson was suspended by A&E for bigoted comments in GQ. Conservatives cry foul, but it hardly violates his rightsThe right to free speech isn't just a fundamental American value; it's enshrined in the first amendment to our constitution. If only the most loud-mouthed among us actually understood what it says. Here's what the First Amendment offers: you can say, write or publish pretty much whatever you want, no matter how offensive (with a few exceptions), and the government can't step in and censor you or put you in jail. Here's what the first amendment doesn't do: allow you to say, write or publish whatever you want, no matter how offensive, and also entitle you to a giant pay check from your starring role on a cable reality TV show.This isn't exactly Harvard-level legal theory, but many Republicans, Christian organizations and garden-variety tweeters enjoy spouting off about their love of freedom and the Constitution while remaining disturbingly unaware of what the Bill of Rights actually says and means. The right-wing passion for a set of ideals they claim to revere – but remain ignorant of – is not new, but it's news again this week. They're up in arms at the suspension of Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson for a series of homophobic and bigoted remarks he made to GQ magazine. Professional consequences for bigoted comments, they say, violate the constitutional right to free speech.Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal said: Phil Robertson and his family are great... Continue reading at 'The Guardian'
[ The Guardian | 2013-12-20 00:00:00 UTC ]
Written By: Charlotte Williams John Blake has acquired world rights in the "candid, harrowing and often hilarious" autobiography of "Benidorm" actress Crissy Rock. Editor-in-chief Michelle Signore bought the rights through Ken Douglas at MCLA, with John Blake to publish on 12th March. This... Continue reading at The Bookseller
[ The Bookseller | 2011-01-31 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Written By: Charlotte Williams Sphere has acquired the tie-in title to comedian Billy Connolly's forthcoming "Route 66" ITV show. Non-fiction publishing director Adam Strange bought world rights from Maverick Television to Billy Connolly's Route 66, winning a four-way auction. read more Continue reading at The Bookseller
[ The Bookseller | 2011-01-31 00:00:00 UTC ]
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