GOP governor unleashes "Duck Dynasty" crusade

Gov. Jindal implies that A&E doesn't respect the First Amendment

Published December 19, 2013 3:28PM (EST)

Despite his recent suspension by A&E, Phil Robertson of "Duck Dynasty" has at least one powerful player on his side: Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal.

In a statement released on Thursday morning, Jindal came to Robertson's defense and argued that the reality TV star has had his First Amendment rights infringed upon by A&E's punitive actions.

Here's the statement in its entirety:

Phil Robertson and his family are great citizens of the State of Louisiana. The politically correct crowd is tolerant of all viewpoints, except those they disagree with. I don’t agree with quite a bit of stuff I read in magazine interviews or see on TV. In fact, come to think of it, I find a good bit of it offensive. But I also acknowledge that this is a free country and everyone is entitled to express their views.  In fact, I remember when TV networks believed in the First Amendment. It is a messed up situation when Miley Cyrus gets a laugh, and Phil Robertson gets suspended.

Jindal isn't the only high-profile Republican to come to Robertson's defense. Sarah Palin, too, voiced her concern that A&E's action ran afoul of the First Amendment. "Free speech is an endangered species," the former governor of Alaska wrote on her Facebook page.


By Elias Isquith

Elias Isquith is a former Salon staff writer.

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A&e Bobby Jindal Duck Dynasty Phil Robertson Sarah Palin