Defending Celebrities' Freedom of Speech

The divide in American ideology is at a heated peak. Opposing views are lashing out in the spirit of Free Speech. This petition is a petition of support. It is also a petition of protest in defense of Freedom of Speech.

Below is a short list of celebrities who have been black listed; celebrities who, upon speaking out against the reckless policies and actions of the Bush Administration were met with sharp threats and in even some cases job loss from the use of their Constitutionally granted Freedom of Speech.

Whoopi Goldberg
Susan Sarandon
The Dixie Chicks
Linda Rhondstadt
Barbara Streisand
Bette Midler
Bill Maher
Howard Stern

This list is by no means complete, but it does illustrate a group of well-known American figures who have been dealt some form of action against their right to free speech.

For example: Whoopi's was fired from Slim Fast following her most recent controversial comments against the Bush Administration and earlier this year had discovered her show canceled by NBC, some labeling it as too controversial. Howard Stern, despite popular opinion that he was dismissed for explicit sexual connotations, was unjustly fired from Clear Channel following criticism of the Bush Administration. The Dixie Chicks were met with a harsh backlash of threats, some even involving blocking record deals and cancelling concerts, as they protested the war with Iraq. And as we know most recently, Linda Rondstadt was ousted from her show in Las Vegas for encouraging her audience to go see a film labeled as controversial.

How, in a Democracy which purports FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION, can one's job security be dependent on one's political views? Instead, these individuals should be heralded as fine PATRIOTS of America. They should be regarded as heroes using their standing in US society to speak out for that which they are convicted against. Their hearts speak of compassion for United States citizens, and of concern for our standing in the world both for the present and the future.

Let us support these and other critics of the Bush Administration who have fallen prey to political blacklisting and slander. Please sign this petition in support of these fine artists and celebrities, and in protest for the threatening backlash that they have received. Let us show our admiration for their true acts of PATRIOTISM.