When members of government try to get networks to drop a show is that not a direct violation of the First Amendment? They are the ones who want to silence people not Conservatives. Rush has no power to shut people up but apparently those who have power don’t recognize that this is not one of their powers. I say Impeach those politicians who call to silence people. Too bad we don’t tar and feather them anymore.
Hmmm. That's an interesting question. It wouldn't be a direct violation, because the oligarch isn't actually passing a law or regulation inhibiting free speech. On the other hand, they represent the government. So when Sen. Levin says he wants a program eliminated, he's using his power and authority as a government representative to squash speech he disagrees with. I think the implication is there that if Sen. Levin is displeased, he could do a lot of damage to whoever has displeased him. For example, if the Armed Forces Network (AFN) doesn't do as he advises, there's a veiled threat there that he could cut their funding or eliminate them entirely. On the other hand, isn't AFN itself a government entity?