Reading about the ” free speech firestorm” in Rutherford County, Tennessee over the decision of Kentucky Fried Chicken and a Kroger’s grocery store  to ban the  Rutherford Reader, a free,  family owned and operated newspaper that runs feature columns of local interest. The paper had been running content that was deemed “anti-Islam” and “hate speech” with regards to commentary over the building of a mosque.

The controversy reinforces my long standing belief that the majority of the general public have no clue what the 1st amendment says or means in a legal sense.  They simply understand the basic concept of “free speech”.  They then shape that concept based on their own belief system borne out of their life experiences. The end result is their “idea of free speech” that is carried throughout their daily lives. That idea often has nothing to do with the realities of the 1st Amendment.  It goes something like this: I have something to say in your home.  You tell me I can’t say it there.  You are violating my rights to free speech.  A muzzle is a muzzle regardless of what dog its on.

Lets get some clarity here.  This is not about hate speech or Muslim’s or conservative politics.  Pete Doughtie has the right to write and publish what he pleases regardless of whom it offends or who regards it as hate speech unless it incites others to violence.  That is the 1st Amendment at work.

Time for some more clarity.  The 1st amendment only applies to government attempts to regulate our speech.  KFC  and Kroger are private companies. They can determine what newspapers, speech or any other expression they want to allow or prohibit on their premises. The distributor is a private company.  They can choose not to work with his paper.  End of story.  Get that straight.  Pete is clearly ignorant of this concept when he threatens to sue these companies.  Everyone in Rutherford please take a breath, gather some basic understanding of the 1st Amendment and the have the Rutheford Reader delivered directly to your doorstep hate speech and all.  You have that right.  Its a free country.