Whenever a celebrity has an offensive meltdown in front of a camera or microphone, and the public comes down on him. some defender of justice pipes up with "Whatever happened to Freedom of Speech?" Answer: Nothing has happened to "Freedom of Speech"
Freedom of Speech applies to government regulation: "Congress shall make no law... abridging the freedom of speech..."
Freedom of speech is not the issue for Michael Richards, or anyone else that makes people angry with their words. Kramer wasn't arrested for his crime against humanity. In fact, he can say every word of his tirade again if he wants. Mel Gibson was arrested for drunk driving, not talking while intoxicated.
While we are all free to speak, we are not free from the consequences of our speech. What Michael Richards said Friday night will cost him future stand-up comedy gigs, which he does more for fun than for money. It may reduce "Seinfeld" DVD sales, but it won't cost him his freedom. Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock have made millions from this freedom, of course they are also one thoughtless rant away from quiet obscurity in their multi-million dollar homes.
Relax. Freedom of speech is just fine, and so are consequences.
