On Freedom of Speech
The actor James Woods, long known for his far-right political views (he once called President Obama “a stain”) has been dropped by his long-time talent agent. According to Woods, he was dropped only for his political views and his willingness to share them openly. It had nothing to do with his reputation as being difficult to work with or being unbankable at the box office.
That is, Mr. Woods insists that he was “fired” from his talent agent for simply exercising his freedom of speech.
What the motives of his agent were are unknown, but also irrelevant. Mr. Woods misunderstands what “free speech” means. Here is the language that sets forth the right to free speech in the US Constitution:
Amendment I. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the freeexercise thereof; or 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.
The guarantee of free speech does not give us freedom from the consequences of free speech. It only provides that the government cannot jail you, fine you or punish you in any way for your speech. However, it does not protect one from social, political or financial consequences of the things we say and/or do. We may say what we like, even if it is a lie. But we must be prepared and understand that we will also face the consequences of our words.
So, say what you want, but be prepared for others to respond back. As is their right. Mr. Woods is learning that lesson a little late in his career. We should all take heed, and act accordingly.
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