Our Free Speech is Under Attack

We Are in a Constitutional Crisis.

Jimmy Kimmel Live! was suspended by ABC yesterday. Some reports suggest that the suspension will last through Thursday (today). Other reports suggest he’ll be off the air until he makes a meaningful donation to an anti-trans conservative organization if Sinclair has their way. We are currently living through a constitutional crisis for much of the year as if this hasn’t been made abundantly clear.

When the man occupying the Oval Office and his administration is actively bullying the people they disagree with, that’s an attack on our constitutional rights. We have a First Amendment that has been in effect since the late 1700s. Unfortunately, we also have an administration that wishes to shred democracy in favor of a fascist authoritarian regime. I’m not going to be silenced and will actively use my platform to call a spade a spade.

I don’t have to remind you that this administration has actively sought to denationalize and dehumanize transgender Americans. A lawsuit relating to passport applications is still making its way through the court system.

We cannot live in a country where it is free speech for me but not for thee. Hate speech crosses the lines but it is still legal. It is one thing for someone to be held accountable for their actions because there is no freedom from the repercussions. The difference here is that the orders to do something about Kimmel are coming directly from the government. That’s an attack on the First Amendment and it is wrong.

Apologies for the lack of newsletters during the first half of the month as I was in Toronto for the film festival. My schedule will be hectic through the end of the Jewish holidays so newsletters will likely be sent sparingly until after the holidays end in mid-October.