Well, the fallout was to be expected. After A & E suspended Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson for making disparaging remarks about homosexuals, everyone's cranky uncle and pearl clutching cousin came out of the woodwork to denounce the move. Their biggest problem? They are violating his right to free speech!
Please let this be a teaching moment. Be it by Facebook, comment board, in person, or other, just relay the information below the fold...
It is not possible for A & E to take away Phil Robertson's right to free speech. A & E is not a government entity. They are a private company. Phil Robertson is an at-will employee, or perhaps belongs to some reality star union. Either way, he may complain or file a grievance, and be reinstated or recoup lost wages. Regardless, he can still go on the street corner and spout his form of ignorance until the cows come home.
If he is arrested for that, then his right to free speech has been violated. But he won't, because that is not how we operate in America. We have this thing called the 1st amendment.
Simply put:
Phil Robertson is not in jail or dead because of what he said, and he is still allowed to say it. Ergo, his right to free speech has not been violated.