The War on Jerk-Off Radio Personalities Comes Home
Earlier today (wasn't that a time!), I blogged about the latest flap over Rush Limbaugh, the one about "phony soldiers," phony politicians, etc.
Now comes word from David Harsanyi, Nanny State author and November reason cover boy (subscribe!) that San Francisco's Board of Supervisors, that august political institution what once appointed the Rev. Jim Jones to a city post, is trying to pass a resolution condemning radio show host Michael Savage for "hate speech." Recaps Harsanyi:
This resolution was the board's second attempt to condemn Savage (curiously enough, his show emanates from San Francisco) specifically for his yammering about illegal aliens. The only thing that stops resolution from passing is a San Franciscan by the name of Ed Jew (an American-Asian) vetoes the vote. Not only that, but Jew had the stones to stand up and defend Savage's First Amendment right to free expression. If only such a person existed in Washington DC—on either side - we'd all be better off.
Jew said, "For the record, I do not agree with comments allegedly made by Mr. Savage, but the First Amendment gives him the right to make those comments."
How refreshing to hear such an obvious point said in public.So then …
[Supervisor Gerardo] Sandoval responded with a personal challenge to Jew.
"If this commentary was directed at the Chinese-American or the Asian community, you would not be resorting to this rigid formalism on your part," he said.
Yes, yes, I know: It all gets confusing when you throw an Asian American named Jew into the mix (stir fry?). But here's Harsanyi, cutting through the clatter like a hot knife through butter:
Michael Savage is offensive. A elected government official referring to deference of the First Amendment as "rigid formalism" is far more offensive. I have no idea if Jew would adhere to ideological and political consistency if his own ethnicity were attacked daily on the radio. But I do know Sandoval's comment gives us a peek into the mindset of many officials these days. To them, freedom is no longer a priority. Not if it offends them.