Dr. Laura in denial

Opinion: August 25, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

Dr. Laura in denial

Los Angeles Times: Who knew that Laura Schlessinger was so thin-skinned? After all, this is a woman who has relished her perch as a radio shock jock. In her 30 years on the air she has offended many, blaming women for their husbands’ affairs and referring to gay people as “biological errors.” So it’s a bit surprising that a fairly predictable reaction to her enthusiastic use of a racial slur has sent her scurrying out of the kitchen, so to speak.

Schlessinger, better known as Dr. Laura, announced that she was leaving her show because she wants her First Amendment rights back. If only Dr. Laura could give Dr. Laura one of her famous tongue-lashings. Since she’s moping, we’ll try: The First Amendment is just fine. Schlessinger exercised her right to use a racial slur when criticizing her caller, and offended listeners exercised their right to criticize her for it. That’s America.

Define censorship

Or perhaps Schlessinger honestly does not understand the nature of the protections she says are being denied her. Here is the pertinent text: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press.” It does not guarantee that the world will agree with radio hosts, only that the government will not censor them. The government didn’t demand Schlessinger’s ouster; listeners did.

Sarah Palin also appears confused. She tweeted: “Dr. Laura: don’t retreat ... reload. (Steps aside bc her 1st amend. rights ceased 2exist thx 2activists trying 2silence isn’t American, not fair.)” It’s frightening that a former governor and vice presidential candidate thinks public dissent is un-American or unconstitutional.

Schlessinger isn’t quitting because she can’t say what’s on her mind; she just couldn’t take the heat after she did it. To paraphrase her advice to the caller whose questions launched her racial tirade, she should stop being so sensitive.