illumined horizon

It doesn't seem surprising that the network that fired Dan Rather over a controversial story, also attempted to direct Bill Maher to speak about an 'approved topic'. The more I think about this situation the more it disturbs me. After all if the segment was entitled "Accepted Speech" or "Reserved Speech" there would be no controversy. To ostensibly support a right, then deny it, seems pretty antithetical to what this country is supposed to be about (not to mention what our troops are fighting for in Iraq). Constitutional rights are not to be given and then removed willy nilly; but to be supported when invoked, whatever the consequences for standing behind them will be.