# Republican official opposes Freedom of Speech **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [February 27, 2018, 6:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republican-official-opposes-freedom-of-speech/809667 "2018-02-27T06:31:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2018, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republican-official-opposes-freedom-of-speech/809667/21 "2018-02-28T01:21:25Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > Which really surprises me, because Republicans have been saying they’re the Free Speech party. The modern republican party is an authoritarian party of white nationalists and plutocrats. Pretty much everything they do is designed to service that agenda. The sooner we accept that fact the sooner we can start dealing with it. ---
**Author:** ![j666](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de0a6/32.png) [@j666](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/j666)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2018, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republican-official-opposes-freedom-of-speech/809667/22 "2018-02-28T03:34:21Z")
Um, this is a politician standing up to a Corporate Overlord. Theoretically, this is a good thing. Practically, it could be wildly entertaining, but we’ll never get to see the backroom kerfuffle. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2018, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republican-official-opposes-freedom-of-speech/809667/23 "2018-02-28T04:29:48Z")
> [@Wesley\_Clark](#): > > The modern republican party is an authoritarian party of white nationalists and plutocrats. Pretty much everything they do is designed to service that agenda. > > The sooner we accept that fact the sooner we can start dealing with it. Note that I wrote that the Republicans have been saying they’re the Free Speech party. I didn’t write that they are the Free Speech party. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2018, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republican-official-opposes-freedom-of-speech/809667/24 "2018-02-28T04:33:37Z")
> [@j666](#): > > Um, this is a politician standing up to a Corporate Overlord. Theoretically, this is a good thing. Practically, it could be wildly entertaining, but we’ll never get to see the backroom kerfuffle. A politician standing up to a special interest would normally be a good thing. But in this case, it appears the motive was that he got a higher bid from another special interest. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2018, 4:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republican-official-opposes-freedom-of-speech/809667/25 "2018-02-28T04:38:26Z")
I made the comment in other threads that this probably kiboshed any chance Atlanta may have had on Amazon HQ2. ---
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2018, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republican-official-opposes-freedom-of-speech/809667/26 "2018-02-28T05:22:14Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > Note that I wrote that the Republicans have been saying they’re the Free Speech party. I didn’t write that they are the Free Speech party. I know. They also say they are the party of personal responsibility, fiscal discipline, national security and good ideas. ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2018, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republican-official-opposes-freedom-of-speech/809667/27 "2018-02-28T13:21:06Z")
> [@JohnT](#): > > I made the comment in other threads that this probably kiboshed any chance Atlanta may have had on Amazon HQ2. Yep, I agree that this hurts Georgia’s reputation as a state that’s good for business-- and it also hurts the republican party’s reputation as a business party. If there’s one thing business people absolutely do not want, it’s using state power to reward and punish businesses for making what are purely business decisions. Delta’s decision to put distance between itself and NRA was simply to make it clear that it was neutral; it’s not like that took a position on guns. They still presumably allow the transport of firearms in their cargo hold. And this is now something that businesses have to think about in other red states too. How moored to reality is the republican party in other supposedly pro-business states, like Texas, like Florida, like Alabama, or like Tennessee? What if they get on the wrong side of conservatives? Having said all of that, it’s not technically a violation of freedom of speech. Delta’s not guaranteed a tax break under the constitution, and the GOP can decide to reward or punish corporations that don’t support their agenda. It might be stupid and it might backfire in the long run (Atlanta would be pretty badly injured economically if Delta decided to pull up its stakes and move to Greater New York) but they can do that if they choose. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2018, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republican-official-opposes-freedom-of-speech/809667/28 "2018-02-28T13:27:47Z")
As I intimated elsewhere it’d be cheaper for Delta to put money toward getting rid of Cagle (and any fellow travellers in the state legislature) than to move its hub. Not that I’m a fan of special interests of any sort engaging in that sort of political meddling but I have been repeatedly assured that it is all perfectly fine and legal. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2018, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republican-official-opposes-freedom-of-speech/809667/29 "2018-02-28T13:30:21Z")
So… [what are they going to do about Dick’s Sporting Goods?](https://www.politico.com/amp/story/2018/02/28/dicks-sporting-good-assault-style-rifles-430617) Copy of their media statement below: > [@](#): > > We at DICK’S Sporting Goods are deeply disturbed and saddened by the tragic events in Parkland. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the victims and their loved ones. > > But thoughts and prayers are not enough. > > We have tremendous respect and admiration for the students organizing and making their voices heard regarding gun violence in schools and elsewhere in our country. > > We have heard you. The nation has heard you. > > We support and respect the Second Amendment, and we recognize and appreciate that the vast majority of gun owners in this country are responsible, law-abiding citizens. But we have to help solve the problem that’s in front of us. Gun violence is an epidemic that’s taking the lives of too many people, including the brightest hope for the future of America – our kids. > > Following all of the rules and laws, we sold a shotgun to the Parkland shooter in November of 2017. It was not the gun, nor type of gun, he used in the shooting. But it could have been. > > Clearly this indicates on so many levels that the systems in place are not effective to protect our kids and our citizens. > > We believe it’s time to do something about it. > > Beginning today, DICK’S Sporting Goods is committed to the following: > > We will no longer sell assault-style rifles, also referred to as modern sporting rifles. We had already removed them from all DICK’S stores after the Sandy Hook massacre, but we will now remove them from sale at all 35 Field & Stream stores. > > We will no longer sell firearms to anyone under 21 years of age. > > We will no longer sell high capacity magazines. > > We never have and never will sell bump stocks that allow semi-automatic weapons to fire more rapidly. > > At the same time, we implore our elected officials to enact common sense gun reform and pass the following regulations: > > Ban assault-style firearms > > Raise the minimum age to purchase firearms to 21 > > Ban high capacity magazines and bump stocks > > Require universal background checks that include relevant mental health information and previous interactions with the law > > Ensure a complete universal database of those banned from buying firearms > > Close the private sale and gun show loophole that waives the necessity of background checks > > We hope others join us in this effort to let our kids know that their pleas are being taken seriously. > > Some will say these steps can’t guarantee tragedies like Parkland will never happen again. They may be correct – but if common sense reform is enacted and even one life is saved, it will have been worth it. > > We deeply believe that this country’s most precious gift is our children. They are our future. We must keep them safe. > > Sincerely, > Edward W. Stack > Chairman & CEO > DICK’S Sporting Goods ---
**Author:** ![Folacin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folacin/32/3195_2.png) [@Folacin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folacin)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2018, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republican-official-opposes-freedom-of-speech/809667/30 "2018-02-28T13:50:10Z")
> [@Dangerosa](#): > > They have other hubs - including the one I live in which was a Northwestern hub pre-merger. They have LOTS of employees in the Twin Cities yet as well. JFK was a Pan Am hub before Delta bought them. St. Louis doesn’t have a major hub right now - they were a TWA hub. > > They can move the corporate office and put emphasis on other hubs they have, while expanding hub capability into states that will give them tax breaks. > > They probably won’t, but lets not pretend like they are tied to Atlanta too closely. Agreed - actually, Kansas City is possibly rebuilding our airport, so maybe we could get it. I was just pointing out that a hub can’t just be picked up and moved. Even beyond people, there needs to be physical capacity (landing slots, gates, hangars, etc), plus changing all the routes. So, it could be done, but it will take quite a while. Although just announcing the intent to move would cause some fun. ---
**Author:** ![Steve\_MB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steve_mb/32/5339_2.png) [@Steve\_MB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_MB)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2018, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republican-official-opposes-freedom-of-speech/809667/31 "2018-02-28T13:58:27Z")
> [@jayjay](#): > > Other than being ethically suspect, this is just plain stupid. Delta is the biggest private employer in Georgia. If they decide that a city other than Atlanta would make a good hub, they’re taking a huge chunk of Georgia’s economy with them. > [@Folacin](#): > > Not saying “that’s a nice airport you have there, be a shame if something happened to it” isn’t an interesting negotiating strategy, but Delta built up their Atlanta hub over a long time - I’d imagine it would take a long time for another airport to ramp up to take over that load of traffic. It would be difficult, but they definitely should start taking some visible first steps in that direction, accompanied by a public statement… oh, how exactly should they word it… _(thinks) (snaps fingers)_ Ah, yes; here’s _just_ the line they should use: > [@](#): > > Politicans cannot attack Delta and expect us not to fight back. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2018, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republican-official-opposes-freedom-of-speech/809667/32 "2018-02-28T14:03:26Z")
> [@Folacin](#): > > Agreed - actually, Kansas City is possibly rebuilding our airport, so maybe we could get it. I was just pointing out that a hub can’t just be picked up and moved. Even beyond people, there needs to be physical capacity (landing slots, gates, hangars, etc), plus changing all the routes. > > So, it could be done, but it will take quite a while. Although just announcing the intent to move would cause some fun. They don’t have to do that, just entertaining a delegation from Minnesota would do it. ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2018, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republican-official-opposes-freedom-of-speech/809667/33 "2018-02-28T15:10:47Z")
Remember, the point of a hub is to be centrally located. if the NewDelta hub moves to NY, or Kansas, that’s really not centrally located for their routes anymore. I think they should move to Atlantis. All Hail Atlantis! ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2018, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republican-official-opposes-freedom-of-speech/809667/34 "2018-02-28T15:41:07Z")
> [@asahi](#): > > Having said all of that, it’s not technically a violation of freedom of speech. Delta’s not guaranteed a tax break under the constitution, and the GOP can decide to reward or punish corporations that don’t support their agenda. It might be stupid and it might backfire in the long run (Atlanta would be pretty badly injured economically if Delta decided to pull up its stakes and move to Greater New York) but they can do that if they choose. I disagree. Taxes and tax breaks are set by law. The First Amendment says the government cannot enact a law which abridges free speech. So the government enacting or repealing a tax break on the basis of what somebody says is a violation of the First Amendment. ---
**Author:** ![Folacin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folacin/32/3195_2.png) [@Folacin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folacin)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2018, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republican-official-opposes-freedom-of-speech/809667/35 "2018-02-28T16:07:27Z")
> [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](#): > > Remember, the point of a hub is to be centrally located. if the NewDelta hub moves to NY, or **Kansas** , that’s really not centrally located for their routes anymore. > > I think they should move to Atlantis. > > All Hail Atlantis! (my emphasis) You one of them coastal elites? The Kansas City with the “international” airport is in Missouri. And if you move the hub, then by definition it is centrally located. ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2018, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republican-official-opposes-freedom-of-speech/809667/36 "2018-02-28T17:18:17Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > Lt Governor Casey Cagle (R) is having none of that. He has publicly said that if Delta doesn’t resume its support of the NRA, he will retaliate against the airline by cutting some of their tax breaks: _“I will kill any tax legislation that benefits @Delta unless the company changes its position and fully reinstates its relationship with @NRA. Corporations cannot attack conservatives and expect us not to fight back.”_ He’s an idiot, but I don’t see how this is opposing freedom of speech per se. This looks more like a shakedown or posturing. I’m sure that a hefty donation to his campaign fund will cause him to triangulate. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2018, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republican-official-opposes-freedom-of-speech/809667/37 "2018-02-28T17:35:27Z")
> [@Quartz](#): > > He’s an idiot, but I don’t see how this is opposing freedom of speech per se. This looks more like a shakedown or posturing. I’m sure that a hefty donation to his campaign fund will cause him to triangulate. Conservatives have created the doctrine that money is a form of speech. So telling somebody they have to donate money to a cause is compelling them to speak in a certain manner. If the government is telling you what you have to say, it’s clearly abridging your freedom of speech. Now I’ll admit I’ve said that equating money with speech is wrong. And I stand by that. If it was up to me, this would be a case of extortion not a freedom of speech violation. But I don’t write the rules. Conservatives wrote them and I’m just pointing out that those rules are being broken. ---
**Author:** ![SteveG1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2018, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republican-official-opposes-freedom-of-speech/809667/38 "2018-02-28T18:06:56Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > A politician standing up to a special interest would normally be a good thing. But in this case, it appears the motive was that he got a higher bid from another special interest. Exactly. ---
**Author:** ![SteveG1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2018, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republican-official-opposes-freedom-of-speech/809667/39 "2018-02-28T18:09:45Z")
> [@Gyrate](#): > > As I intimated elsewhere it’d be cheaper for Delta to put money toward getting rid of Cagle (and any fellow travelers in the state legislature) than to move its hub. Not that I’m a fan of special interests of any sort engaging in that sort of political meddling but I have been repeatedly assured that it is all perfectly fine and legal. I wanna point out the obvious… as soon as corporations do this, they will become The Devil, and a Threat To All Life On Earth (trademark). Why? because it’s a Repub on the receiving end (for a change). Just watch. ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2018, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republican-official-opposes-freedom-of-speech/809667/40 "2018-02-28T21:29:11Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > I disagree. Taxes and tax breaks are set by law. The First Amendment says the government cannot enact a law which abridges free speech. So the government enacting or repealing a tax break on the basis of what somebody says is a violation of the First Amendment. They’re not technically punishing free speech; they’re punishing a decision by a corporation to dissolve a business partnership. They’re not punishing something that was said by a corporate spokesperson or a protest attended by employees off the clock. It’s dirty politics, and you could also argue that it’s against the spirit of free enterprise and freedom from government’s big hand, but it’s probably not an attack on the first amendment. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republican-official-opposes-freedom-of-speech/809667.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republican-official-opposes-freedom-of-speech/809667.md?page=3)