People say dumb and/or controversial things. That never changes. However, when there is some kind of repercussion or consequence for them saying these things, people always go to the "freedom of speech" rhetoric.
Let's take Reggie Jackson for example. "Mr October" is a Yankees legend. You mention his name and people think of his great career as a Yankee. (Of course, out of his 20 year career, he only played 5 years in New York.) His nickname, Mr. October, came from his clutch hitting in the postseason. Now, he serves as a special advisor to the Yankee organization.
In an SI interview, he discussed how Alex Rodriguez's numbers should be tainted and he should not get into the Hall of Fame. Those remarks were not the smartest because Rodriguez plays for the Yankees (who Jackson advises). Jackson might have actually been correct in his words. However, he was completely mistaken when he said that Kirby Puckett, Gary Carter, Don Sutton, Phil Niekro, and Jim Rice shouldn't be in the Hall.
Anyways, the Yankees asked him to step away for a little bit in light of these controversial comments. Because of this, people start screaming "WHERE IS HIS FREEDOM OF SPEECH."
He's not the only one who people scream that about:
Don Imus' comments about Rutgers women's basketball that got his show cancelled, anything that Rush Limbaugh says, etc...
People wonder why they don't have their freedom of speech.
Read this closely: Freedom of speech does not mean freedom from consequence.
Did Reggie Jackson get arrested for his comments? Did Don Imus get prosecuted? The answer to this is no.
That is what "freedom of speech" means. No legal action can be taken because of their comments.
Go into your boss' office and call him/her "stupid". Tell your boss that he/she doesn't know anything. If he/she fires you, please don't say that your "freedom of speech" was taken away.
Freedom of speech DOES NOT mean that there is freedom from consequence!!!
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