There are numerous issues with the recent firings of comedians who have criticized the Trump administration and its supporters. From Stephen Colbert to Jimmy Kimmel \u2013 taking (figurative) shots at politicians of all parties is what they do. Millions of Americans love it, and the First Amendment of the Constitution has, until now, protected it.<\/p>\n
The First Amendment reads, \u201cCongress shall make no law \u2026 abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.\u201d<\/p>\n
We were pleasantly surprised to learn that Rep. Jeff Hurd is a staunch defender of free speech rights, and it appears that his Republican colleagues were surprised as well. In an environment of media consolidation, and with Trump influencing FCC merger approvals in favor of companies that silence his critics, the free speech landscape is rapidly eroding. The Journal\u2019s <\/em>editorial board would like to thank Rep. Hurd for standing up for the First Amendment, which also protects freedom of the press.<\/p>\n Last Wednesday night, during his Tele-Town Hall, Hurd was asked about his vote earlier in the day against censuring Ilhan Omar (D-MN) for her comments surrounding Charlie Kirk\u2019s assassination. Hurd voted against a measure by Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) that would have stripped Omar of her committee assignments. He joined all Democrats and three other House Republicans \u2013 Reps. Mike Flood of Nebraska, Tom McClintock of California and Cory Mills of Florida \u2013 to kill the measure 214-213.<\/p>\n During the Town Hall, Hurd defended his vote, saying Omar made \u201chorrible, ghoulish and evil\u201d remarks about Kirk, whom Hurd described as a \u201cconservative First Amendment fierce advocate for free speech and debate and ideas,\u201d after Kirk\u2019s assassination in Utah. But said, he voted against a House censure because silencing her would violate the First Amendment. He argued the proper response to reprehensible speech is more speech, not censorship \u2013 a principle that also aligns with Kirk\u2019s commitment to free expression.<\/p>\n His party and some voters have pummeled Hurd for his vote, but he set an important example of the standard to which all members of Congress should adhere. They took the Oath of Office to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Today, First Amendment enemies are increasingly within our borders.<\/p>\n As with everything, there is nuance. The Zeteo interview<\/a> (see https:\/\/bit.ly\/47LmJJN<\/a> at 9:08) in which Omar\u2019s comments were captured begins the discussion of Kirk\u2019s killing with Omar saying, \u201cIt was mortifying to hear the news and see the video. All I could think about was his wife, his children \u2026 My heart does break for those babies.\u201d Much of the media coverage omitted Omar\u2019s sincerely expressed sympathies for the family in favor of her other comments about Kirk.<\/p>\n