Americans are always talking about the First Amendment and First Amendment rights, but I’m not sure most people know what this Amendment protects. The First Amendment consists of five freedoms:

1. Freedom of speech
2. Freedom of the press
3. Freedom of religion
4. Freedom to peaceably assemble
5. Freedom to redress grievances (disagree with local, state, or Federal Government)

The First Amendment protects you from legal action being taken against you by the Federal Government. It does not protect you from getting fired for saying something stupid to your boss. It does not protect you from ruining your career because you do not agree with the President’s policies (e.g., The Dixie Chicks). Unfortunately in our politically correct, don’t hurt anyone’s feelings society, we have been taught that somehow the First Amendment applies to the private sector. I would defy anyone to read their corporate human resources policies and find any mention of “protected speech” granted by the First Amendment. Since when do you have a right to not be offended? Why is it okay for ABC, CBS, and NBC to say whatever they want without an opposing viewpoint, but when FOX News, Rush Limbaugh, and Glenn Beck say the same thing they should be censored and the so called “fairness doctrine” implemented. Seem a little one sided to you? Yeah, it does to me too. I don’t recall any conservative viewpoints on Air America before its quick and miserable demise. This is yet another example of a liberal double standard.

In February of this year, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel stated that some extremist liberal groups were “f-ing retarded.” Sarah Palin called Emanuel’s comments “indecent and insensitive” and cause for his dismissal. When Rush Limbaugh used the “R word” to describe the same liberal group, Palin identified it as merely satire. So what is the difference you ask? OUR TAX DOLLARS ARE NOT PAYING RUSH LIMBAUGH’S SALARY. He can say whatever he wants. I don’t think that Emanuel should have resigned— he can say whatever he wants also— but what does that say about who our President has surrounded himself with? There is a difference; however, neither example has to do with the First Amendment.

Not convinced yet? South Park recently attempted to air an episode depicting the Prophet Muhammad as a man dressed in a teddy bear costume. Under extreme pressure, Comedy Central decided not to air the episode. Everyone knows that Trey Parker and Matt Stone have made a pretty good living offending every race, creed, and color on the planet, so what made this situation different? The last person to depict Muhammad was assassinated and Comedy Central doesn’t have a spine. As a result, they have set a very dangerous precedent. If Parker and Stone are willing to take the chance then they are also accepting the consequences of their actions. With this decision, Comedy Central has opened the door to allow any crybaby that gets their feelings hurt to control what is said or done by a private company. Imagine the ripple effect this could have on the entertainment industry and corporate America.