The Slow Death of Free Speech

Today I have finally joined the ranks of the bloggers. For a few years, I've been mulling over the idea of starting a blog where I can express my thoughts on what's going on in our country these days. Political debate in America has become so bitter that it's almost impossible to have a reasonable and fair discussion about the issues. I want to use this blog to express my views but hopefully in a civilized manner without the vitriol and hate that has become all too commonplace. Before I get into the topic that motivated me to finally start this blog, I'll share a few details about me. I'm a native Texan and currently live in the suburbs of Houston, Texas and am happily married to my husband of over 4 years. I currently work as a Petroleum Engineer for a major oil company. I am a Republican who is not afraid to stand up for my conservative values. Most importantly, I am a Christian, and I try daily to live my life so that it is pleasing to God and I strive to become more Christlike every day. I believe in the truth of that Bible, and I am not ashamed to say that it is the guidepost for my beliefs and decisions.

That's enough about me, though. In the last few years, I have become more and more discouraged about the direction our country and society has been moving.  The liberal media and the left has been working hard to subversively silence free speech for years by labeling those who dare to disagree with them as hateful, racist, homophobic bigots. After all, how much of an audience will someone have once they have been accused of bigotry?  This strategy was on full display when A&E suspended Phil Robertson from his series Duck Dynasty for the crime of simply expressing his opinion. Phil sat down for an interview with GQ and answered their questions honestly on his views about homosexuality.  Phil has always been clear that his beliefs are based on the Bible, and he paraphrased 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 that states that the homosexual act is a sin. However, he did not say anything hateful about gay people but actually said he loved "all of humanity" and "would never treat anyone with disrespect because they are different" from him. In fact, he also called out heterosexuals who sleep around outside of marriage.  The media reaction to his comments are exactly what I've come to expect. They twisted his words and extracted pieces out of context in order to vilify him. As is typical these days, fear of the liberal media and the homosexual lobby led A&E to condemn him even after acknowledging that his statements were based on his personal beliefs. 

I have a serious problem with this. The last time I checked, the First Amendment gives the right of free speech to ALL Americans, not just those with opinions in line with the left and their liberal media mouthpieces.  Those who are so proud of their "tolerance" are too blind to see how intolerant they really are. I don't think I'm the only one outraged by this shocking trend. Apparently liberals think that the First Amendment doesn't apply those of us with conservative and/or Christian views.  The double standard for conservatives and Christians is glaringly obvious.  Alec Baldwin repeatedly insults the gay community but it barely makes news, and GLAAD almost completely ignores it.  How long did it take before Martin Bashir finally resigned from MSNBC for his comments about Sarah Palin?  For every Martin Bashir that has resigned, liberals like Chris Matthews, Bill Maher, David Letterman and others remain on the air.  They continue to say genuinely hateful things and call us racist and ignorant because of our political and moral views.  While I certainly don't agree with what they say, they do have the same right to free speech that we all have, including Phil Robertson.  No matter what you think about Phil's comments, all Americans should be shocked and concerned by how the media and A&E is treating him. I refuse to stand back and let people like Phil be accused of hate speech when he did no such thing.  I refuse to be accused of racism when I dare to disagree with the Obama administration. I ask all of you to support Phil Robertson and let A&E know that we will not support the trampling of our right to an opinion. Stand up for your convictions and be proud of what you believe in. Don't let anyone bully us into silence because we are afraid of the nasty labels they will try to throw at us. Free speech will continue its slow death march unless we the people stand up and fight.