Firing Olbermann is unconstitutional. My letter to MSNBC:

[Liberty Belle]

(Note: will someone please forward this to Keith Olbermann if you know how to reach him?)

If corporations can donate unlimited amounts to political campaigns, any individual in America should be free to exercise the same “free speech” rights protected by the U.S. Constitution.

Your own bosses and many others at MSNBC have made political contributions, primarily to the Republican Party or right-wing candidates. Your bias is very apparent.

I am a national award-winning journalist and editor. I’ve won awards from ASJA, SPJ, and San Diego Press Club.

First of all, Olbermann is not a news anchor. His show is clearly liberal opinion just as Scarborough’s is clearly conservative. Scarborough has made donations in the past to conservatives. How come you didn’t fire him?

Moreover, firing or indefinitely suspending is too harsh a punishment for this. You could simply ask Olbermann to disclose any contributions he makes in the future as well as a list of his donations made that are current. Should any of those individuals appear on his show, run that disclaimer—but do the same for your conservative hosts who have also violated this rule.

I am frankly far more concerned about your corporate executives donating to Republican candidates and causes, which indicates a corporate bias that is not healthy for democracy.

I am also deeply concerned about your attempt to stifle the first amendment free speech rights of journalists and political pundits such as Olbermann – people who are very knowledgeable about politics and candidates running for public office.

I hope you will reinstate Olbermann. If you don’t, frankly I will stop watching MSNBC and publish an editorial urging my readers to do the same. The news website that I edit has 3 million hits a month and is the third most widely read news site in San Diego County. It is nonpartisan. I do not ask my reporters’ political views, merely edit their works to assure that no bias is evident in coverage of candidates or races. If they wish to voice an opinion they are welcome to submit editorials, which are treated differently than news.

Olbermann’s is clearly an opinion show and anyone watching would not be surprised, or even care, that he supports progressive candidates just as it’s no shock to know that conservative pundits give to Republicans.

Please do the right thing and restore his show—and show Americans that you are not a totalitarian who would deny your employees the right to participate in our democracy as our Constitution clearly allows. If you don’t I hope that Olbermann sues MSNBC as a test case of journalists’ First Amendment rights.

[mod mom]

1. It's kind of a way to force employees to declare how they will vote. Seems wrong.

Nice letter. :hi:

[kestrel91316]

2. Well, the whole thing falls under his contract, apparently. So the Constitution

is moot.

But they are dirty dogs for suspending him nonetheless.

[Xicano]

8. A contract does not supersede constitutional rights.

n/t

[qazplm]

9. sigh

the Constitution only applies to government, not businesses, in the area of free speech.

Provided they follow the confines of their contract with him, MSNBC is free to fire, or suspend Olbermann or anyone else based solely on the content of his speech. They can fire him because he's too liberal, or not liberal enough, or whatever.

There is no Constitutional issue here at all. none. nada. zip. bupkiss.

[littlewolf]

3. ok my take

1. they did not "fire" him ... just suspended w/o pay .... a minor point I agree but a point ...

2. are you going to tell me MSNBC execs didn't give money ?

3. Fox gave money - everyone gives money ...

Billy Krystal at weeklystander has a rant to NBC on this ...

http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/keep-keith_514980.html

he makes a good point ... maybe GE is trying to get in good with the GOP ...

doing it the wrong way IMHO ....

[Liberty Belle]

11. clearly their treatment of him was discriminatory compared to others

at their station. That would seem to violate equal protection laws as well.

[nadinbrzezinski]

4. Nice letter but it is not

the GOVERNMENT cannot prevent you from talking, alas corporations can and DO regularly. It is called contract law.

To keep it simple. You can say whatever you want, but for example the OWNERS of this site have a say on whether you can use their bandwidth to do it.

I am sure they were itching to do it, this was an excuse and well... you know how that goes.

[Liberty Belle]

12. DU doesn't use public airways. Networks do.

[apocalypsehow]

13. MSNBC doesn't use "public airways," either: it's a CABLE channel. Remember?

Dog have mercy.

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

5. It is not unconstitutional. MSNBC is not Congress.

[DirkGently]

7. I was hoping that was a satirical reference to Juan Williams / Rick Sanchez?

A worthy note, as long as we're all clear no First Amendment rights are involved.

Eddited fer sepllng.

[qazplm]

10. This isn't Russia.

This isn't Russia is it Danny?

Sorry, your line just got me thinking of Caddyshack. :P

[winstars]

6. 'kin hell!!! DON'T PEOPLE WATCH (listen to) HIS SHOW!!!

I just sent Phil an email saying I am boycotting NBC MSNBC and all sponsors BUT some of us are getting it wrong. It is not a 1st amendment problem. Only if the government tries to stifle your voice is it a constitutional problem. KO screams this all the time...

[apocalypsehow]

14. "I hope you will reinstate Olbermann" - I agree with this part of your OP. The rest, not so much. nt