Bill Maher Argues For Privacy, Free Speech In Wake Of Donald Sterling Scandal

While most late night comedy shows have focused on Donald Sterling's overt racism in recent weeks, Bill Maher dug into a different aspect of the story on Friday's "Real Time:" Privacy.

"Last week when President Obama was asked about the Sterling episode, he said, 'When ignorant folks want to advertise their ignorance, just let them talk.' But Sterling didn't advertise," Maher explained, "He was bugged. And while he may not be worth defending, the 4th Amendment is."

It's a difficult point to make, given the collective outrage that sprung up once Sterling's comments were broadcast. Maher's studio audience broke into fewer rounds of applause during the segment than is usual for one of his New Rules. But as the host laid out his argument that we need to maintain the ability to speak our minds in private, he seemed to win them over.

In response to a Washington Post op-ed by Kathleen Parker which suggested you, "Say what you will, but you'd best check for recording devices... [or] check your thoughts," Maher chafed, "I'd rather be a Mormon."

He went on to sum up Parker's sentiment: "So let me get this straight, we should concede that there's no such thing anymore as a private conversation, so therefore remember to 'lawyer' everything you say before you say it, and hey, speaking your mind was overrated anyway, so you won't miss it. Well, I'll miss it, I'll miss it a lot."

Watch the segment above (the Sterling New Rule begins at 2:14) and let us know what you think.

Let's hear it from our in-house expert : Mr. Humble

The punishment of Sterling has nothing to do with one's free speech rights. The amendment says explicitly that the "government shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech" and Sterling was not arrested for his comments or charged with any crime.

However, the private sector has always punished those who used untenable language by, for example, termination. Here it is slightly different because it is the owner who is making untenable, unacceptable speech. There may be a question of whether his property should be taken away, however, the NBA just implemented a lifetime ban. Again, this controversy has nothing to do with a violation of free speech rights, which covers government action.

Maher blew this one! This isn't a 4th amendment issue. The government had nothing to do with this. Sterling voluntarily chose to have an estranged wife and public girlfriend. This relationship went sour - not the government's or our doing. Somebody appears to have gotten upset and they released the recordings.

Stuff happens! That's what Sterling gets for living an unconventional life. The NBA was a victim; NBA players were victims. They had nothing to do with this. Yet Sterling's remarks put the national microscope on them. The NBA acted swiftly and appropriately.

If Sterling wanted privacy, he needed to calm the women in his life. His responsibility; his failure. Society held him accountable for his actions.

Before we cry tears for Mr. Sterling, let's not forget that if he sells the team, it will be at a 'HUGE' profit. I don't feel bad for him, and I'm glad to see him and his plantation-owner mentality fade away. I only wish it would be quicker.
Just my humble opinion