John,

Some quick thoughts on the Jimmy Kimmel situation:

When the government pressures a television network to punish someone for speech it dislikes, every American should pay attention.

Free speech is not about liking or agreeing with what is said. Justice Samuel Alito wrote in 2017 that under the First Amendment, the government “may not ban speech on the ground that it expresses ideas that offend.”

Disapproval of a comedian – or any critic – does not give those in power the right to silence them. Our democracy depends on open debate, even when words are sharp or unpopular.

When government officials try to bully private companies into punishing speech, they betray the values that have guided this nation for nearly 250 years. Media companies also bear responsibility. If they bow to political pressure, they weaken public trust and the marketplace of ideas that keeps our country strong.

The American people deserve the truth about any abuse of authority, and Congress has both the authority and the duty to investigate credible reports of interference with free expression and to defend the First Amendment.

This is about whether any administration can threaten the free exchange of ideas. Protecting speech rights should concern every citizen – left, right, or center.

We must stand firm. In America, the government does not get to decide which voices may speak. If you agree, I’m asking you to add your name and join me:

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Thank you,

Mike

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