As I'm sure you've heard, MSNBC host Ed Schultz called Fox "News" contributor Laura Ingraham a "right-wing slut." He has since apologized and was suspended by MSNBC. I was surprised and disappointed to see some progressives actually defending Shultz and claiming that the suspension was a mistake. My take is a bit different.

In the interest of full disclosure, I've never been able to stand Shultz. And yet, I am reasonably confident that what I am about to say would apply to Maddow as well. I mention her because she's the only one left on MSNBC I can sometimes stomach.

MSNBC was right to suspend Shultz. Moreover, if this comment was part of a larger pattern of behavior on his part (which it appears it was), I'd support their right to fire him. This is not an issue of free speech. Shultz is an employee, and his employer can dismiss him for making objectionable statements. Now, if he were to be arrested by law enforcement for what he said, then we'd have ourselves a free speech issue.

Although I don't care for Shultz, I do want to credit him for apologizing. This does not always happen, especially when the inappropriate speech comes from those on the right.

Subscribe to Red State Progressive