Joe Rogan The View

On “The View” this week, the co-hosts, including Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar, are defending Joe Rogan over calls for his enormously successful podcast to be canceled. 

Take a look:

Many are calling for Rogan’s removal from Spotify following allegations guests he had on his show deliberately spread misinformation. 

While “The View” hosts disagreed with Rogan’s COVID views, they were steadfast in saying that censoring him is not the way to go.

The First Amendment

“We have a First Amendment in this country. We have to stick with it. You can’t just pick and choose when you want to use the First Amendment.” Behar shared. She described Rogan as a “horror” but contended the only way to confront lousy speech is to speak the truth with good speech. 

The hosts were responding to radio icon Howard Stern also chiming in that censorship is always wrong, and Rogan should remain on air. 

Co-host Sunny Hostin disagreed with Behar, saying that Spotify should be a good “corporate citizen,” a phrase that seems Orwellian and downright creepy.

“How about a disclaimer on his podcast that says, you know, ‘This is misinformation.’ How about removing some of the podcasts that disseminate misinformation. You have to do something.”

Related: Spotify Removes Neil Young Catalogue After Joe Rogan Controversy

Why I’m Not Surprised The View Defended Joe Rogan

As much as “The View” portrays itself as a left-leaning show, there is an old-school mentality that is pro free speech. Both Whoopi and Joy Behar are seasoned comics who have undoubtedly gotten in trouble for what they’ve said on the air and stage. 

Whoopi has famously defended comedians who have run afoul of cancel culture. 

We can’t let the censors win. Free speech is our most sacred right as a nation, and it is what distinguishes us and makes us a beacon of hope and prosperity. 

The Importance Of Free Speech

Americans know that once you begin censoring people, you can control their thoughts and lead them to totalitarianism.

I know that sounds hyperbolic, but I genuinely believe it. And I am not just talking about the 1st Amendment here, which says the government cannot censor. I am speaking of the philosophical nature of free speech.

Free speech means being free to speak your piece and state your mind. Of course, it doesn’t mean that Joe Rogan should be without criticism and consequence, and you’d have to be a fool to think Rogan is getting away with this scot-free.

Even if you disagree with Joe Rogan on COVID (I do), censoring free and open debate is not the right way to confront him. 

If we want a free and open society, we must respect each other and engage in thoughtful discussion and debate. It is the only way we will survive.

Do you agree with the women of The View? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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