Issue Might there be a heightened obligation to voice criticism of the government in times of crisis? Starter [On the September 17, 2001 broadcast of ABC's Politically Incorrect, host Bill Maher set off a media controversy when he reacted to descriptions of the suicide bombers aboard the planes that crashed into the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and a Pennsylvania field as "cowardly." Maher said, "We have been the cowards lobbing cruise missiles from 2,000 miles away. That's cowardly." Arianna Huffington, a guest on the show that night, wrote a column in Maher's defense that is excerpted below.] "The show in question was the first since the attack. At curtain time, the studio was electric with anxiety. Politically Incorrect, though it deals with serious subjects, is, after all, a satirical program. So we all held our breath as Bill stepped onto the tightrope. Maher's tone-setting comments, which took the place of his usual monologue, were nothing short of brilliant and—in light of the media firestorm that followed—remarkably prescient. 'I do not relinquish,' he said, 'nor should any of you, the right to criticize, even as we support, our government. This is still a democracy, and they're still politicians. . . .Political correctness is something we can no longer afford. Feelings are gonna get hurt so that actual people won't, and that will be a good thing.' At the end of the show, the audience rose in a standing ovation—something I had never seen before. As well as being the host of the show, Bill is my friend. And, as his friend, I was really proud of him. Proud of how perfect a note he had struck between rallying around the flag, showing grief and expressing dissent. How he had shown that they are not mutually contradictory. And everything that has happened since has only made me prouder of him—and more disgusted at the politically correct cowards who are trying to stifle him. We cannot let them succeed, for, as Benjamin Franklin put it, 'Whoever would overthrow the liberty of a nation must begin by subduing the freeness of speech.'" Excerpt from Arianna Huffington, "Land of the Free?" on www.ariannaonline.com (filed September 24, 2001) Photo used with Arianna Huffington's permission. Focus Questions Maher's opening comments on his September 17 show emphasized "the right to criticize, even as we support, our government." How do you think criticism of the government can be reconciled with support of the government? Maher also stated that "feelings are gonna get hurt so that actual people won't, and that will be a good thing." What do you think Maher meant by this statement? Maher's comments questioning the use of "cowards" to describe the terrorists led several corporate sponsors of the program to withdraw their advertising support. As a commerical program, Politically Incorrect relies upon the support of its corporate sponsors, and the loss of that support could lead to the program's cancellation if it does not attract other sponsors. Does withdrawal of corporate sponsorship constitute, as Arianna Huffington's column suggests, a "stifling" of free speech? Why or why not? Suggested Resources Joe Davidson, "Criticism is Patriotism: Reviewing the News Since 9-11" Transcript of PBS Newshour with Jim Lehrer debate on the "Limits of Dissent" with Rep. James McDermott, James Goldsmith, Wendy Kaminer, and Bill Bennett (10/16/2001) More resources for this topic Starters: 1  2  3  4  5  6  7  All (.pdf) Note: The views expressed here have not been approved by the House of Delegates or the Board of Governors of the American Bar Association, and accordingly, should not be construed as representing the policy of the American Bar Association, nor do they represent the official position or policies of the ABA Standing Committee on Public Education.