Comedian Bill Maher’s advocacy for free speech is a self-servicing ruse. Maher preaches that liberals should be the protectors of free speech and not silence those whom they disagree. Well back at you Bill. Freedom of speech and expression goes both ways. So stop silencing liberals who express their abhorrence of some of your guest.

First let’s get the facts straight. No one can deny someone their constitutional right to speak freely on any topic. Since there is an array of mediums people can use to express themselves, some vast and far reaching while others are limited, no one can truly be silenced. The first amendment freedom of speech and expression prohibits the government from censuring and punishing citizens who express disagreement and engage in the peaceful protest of their government representatives and policies. There are limits to free speech, just as any protest has to remain peaceful to continue. But by and large citizens are free to say and express their ideas without fear of government interference or reprisal.

However, the same does not apply to people denouncing the speech and ideas of other people. Just as someone is free to express themselves, someone else is free to express their criticism. If I don’t like the idea of white supremacy I can express my displeasure by protesting the speech of an avowed white supremacist or appealing to the venue management to cancel the event. In doing this I am not preventing the white supremacist from speaking. I don’t have that kind of power. What I’m doing is expressing my belief that the racist is wrong, which I have every right to do.

Does Maher think the white supremacist should be able to speak without protest? If so, why can’t I voice my objection? Why is that so wrong? Like everything else there are consequences that come with free speech, some good, and some bad. If someone chooses to voice inappropriate and hateful ideas then why do they expect to not be challenged? Is it that Maher and the anti-political correct brigade want to avoid any consequences from their words? Hence the use of the first amendment as a defense?

Could it be that people, including Maher, who don’t want to face the consequences of saying something improper, vulgar, and insulting are using the first amendment as a get out of jail free card? And when the consequences are a loss of career, standing or ratings they bemoan that people are curtailing their freedom of speech.

Maher inviting the racist self-described provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos on Real Time says he’s doing so to advance free speech. And Kale eating liberals are being illiberal. Bullshit. Liberals who voiced their objection to Milo having a platform to spill his vitriol did not stop him from speaking. But I’m sure they didn’t add to Maher’s ratings. And therein lies the rub.

Now Maher wants credit for aiding Milo’s downfall and being a true advocate for free speech. All while he berates liberals for already knowing that Milo was full of shit and wondering why Bill was being Yianny’s useful idiot.

In criticizing liberals Maher is in no way advocating free speech and expression, what he is doing is working to avoid the consequences of giving an emotionally damaged and hateful person a platform. I agree that we should be open minded about people with differing ideas from ours. But Yiannopoulos isn’t sprouting anything new to consider, his ideas are ole fashion racism with a British accent.

Contorting the first amendment to avoid the consequences that come with having free speech is disingenuous. Take responsibility for your actions and words and be brave enough to stand by them even in the face of your opposition exercising their freedom of speech.

If Maher were a true advocate of the First Amendment he’d say, ‘it’s my show and I book guest that I know will spur debate and get noticed. That’s the purpose of Real Time. You object to my giving Yiannopoulos a platform and you have every right to do so.’ A statement like this is honest and forthright. And it avoids the martyrdom some cling to whenever they’re afraid of being boycotted or losing a show (hint: PTSD from Politically Incorrect). Stop it Bill, please just stop.