# Fools and Ignoramuses Who Don't Understand the Constitution **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [March 31, 2003, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fools-and-ignoramuses-who-dont-understand-the-constitution/165517 "2003-03-31T19:27:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![SolGrundy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bbce88/32.png) [@SolGrundy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SolGrundy)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2003, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fools-and-ignoramuses-who-dont-understand-the-constitution/165517/61 "2003-04-02T04:10:54Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Maximum C \* > \*\*So what does it mean for the free marketplace of ideas when most news comes from a few sources, and these sources become the only avenue for some types of news? It means that we must be wary about how the people in charge of these conglomerates use their power over what we see and hear. When they begin firing employees for stating, _to another news station, in their capacity as a private individual_, statements contrary to the warm and fuzzy feeling President Bush is desperately trying to fix on the war effort, people have a good reason to be worried. > > Do you really want the news you hear to be controlled by a few rich people who will fire their underlings if they voice an opinion contrary to what is popular in their mind or with thier audience, when they are the only source for such news?\*\* I’d be more concerned if the only source for news abandons any pretense of objectivity and accurately relaying the facts. Journalism is not the place for “voicing an opinion,” it’s the place for reporting fact. NBC was well within its rights for booting Arnett just for his complete failure to maintain objectivity. The First Amendment is just a convenient crutch for those who are quick to approve of any anti-war sentimentality in the media as the “free exchange of ideas.” It would apply if the government were threatening to imprison or execute Arnett or his superiors because of his statements. It does not apply if Arnett’s rich media-magnate boss decides to fire him because his statements are not those of the government, or even (which I think is far more likely) because his statements cross the line of objective journalism into propaganda speech. The reason it’s troubling how people so casually toss about the First Amendment is that it’s a sign that people don’t really appreciate its significance. If media monopolies are troubling and stifling freedom of speech in our society, we can set up a system to deal with that **outside** the First Amendment, which is there to constrain the government and guarantee our fundamental rights. There are still places where speaking out against the government can get you killed, which is **far** more serious than the threat to anyone sitting safely at home at his computer tapping out “Fuck Bush!” or “Support America Or Shut Up!” messages on some message board, might get banned from the board or fired from his job. And since every war-related Pit thread devolves into accusations trying to assing everyone into “Us” or “Them” categories, I feel obligated to point out here that I’m against the war, but that doesn’t mean I’m for Iraq or against the United States. I just think objectivity is more important than opinion where journalism is concerned. ---
**Author:** ![Hamlet](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hamlet/32/2818_2.png) [@Hamlet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamlet)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2003, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fools-and-ignoramuses-who-dont-understand-the-constitution/165517/62 "2003-04-02T12:56:22Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Rhum Runner \* > \*\*[Sinister forces at work: Madonna video pulled. (In GD)](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=174308) \*\* Is ChaosGod clueless? or is KaosGod Klueless? ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2003, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fools-and-ignoramuses-who-dont-understand-the-constitution/165517/63 "2003-04-02T14:28:36Z")
In fairness, **ChaosGod** does not actually wave the First Amendment flag. And frankly, if his or her whackball conspiracy theory were true, he’d be entitled to – had Bush called up Madonna, and said, “Listen, honey, pull that video or the full power and might of the US government will be arrayed against you,” I believe that would be sufficient to implicate the First Amendment. In other words, **ChaosGod** is not making the mistake I complain of – he or she is an idiot of another, simpler variety. - Rick ---
**Author:** ![asterion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/4da419/32.png) [@asterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asterion)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2003, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fools-and-ignoramuses-who-dont-understand-the-constitution/165517/64 "2003-04-02T17:15:36Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Rhum Runner \* > \*\*That’s the funniest thing I’ve read all day. \*\* Well, I’m glad I amused you (I think.) ---
**Author:** ![j.c](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/73ab20/32.png) [@j.c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/j.c)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2003, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fools-and-ignoramuses-who-dont-understand-the-constitution/165517/65 "2003-04-02T19:24:57Z")
Ugh. And don’t forget the Susan Sarandon’s rights were trampled when a recent lucrative speaking engagement was canceled by the United Way who were responding to complaints from potential ticket buyers. This damn war is making it impossible for me to visit my favorite coffeeshop. I could handle overhearing pinhead conversations on music and movies, but this, this is too much. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fools-and-ignoramuses-who-dont-understand-the-constitution/165517.md?page=3)