If legendary comedian Jimmy Kimmel gets the boot for saying what he thinks on his own show, what hope is there for the rest of us? The former face of ABC’s late-night lineup was recently pulled from the airwaves after making comments about the assassination of republican activist Charlie Kirk.

Kimmel’s comment criticized the MAGA crowd, saying “The MAGA Gang is desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”

Even a mainstream comedy host wasn’t safe from the slow axing of free speech that appears to be creeping into American society.

This isn’t just about Kimmel, it’s about the future of American rights-our future. His suspension serves as a warning that our right to free speech is being gradually infringed upon, and if we aren’t vigilant, the freedom to voice opinions could vanish over the smallest provocations.

Punishing words, even if they’re controversial or defamatory, could spark a dangerous precedent in America. We’ve long prided ourselves on the ability to speak our minds, but as soon as our words challenge the powerful or a specific group or individual, there’s an issue? If speech is a God-given right, what purpose does it serve if there are strings attached?

Just take a look at what’s happening across the ocean. Four men had been arrested after projecting photos of President Donald J. Trump with convicted sex offender Jeffery Epstein onto Windsor castle. Was it a conspicuous choice? Yes. Was it considerably disrespectful? Probably. But did it warrant arrest and criminal charges? Absolutely not. It was a clear act of political protest, and political expression is not supposed to be punishable by jail time.  

Nobody was harmed or threatened. No damage was done to the castle. Yet, the punishment was swift and sent a message. Embarrass or belittle the powerful, and you’ll be paying the price.

Now, to be clear: words that incite violence or threaten others absolutely deserve consequences. Harassment, racial slurs, or speech that endangers lives should not go unchecked. But straightforward opinions? They might irritate, anger, or frustrate someone, but they aren’t violent acts.

We cannot limit expression simply because it discomforts those in power. Once we start punishing speech, we risk silencing the very voices that uphold democracy.

Speech is speech. It’s messy, heartfelt, ugly,  passionate, and raw. If fear keeps people from speaking their minds, the ideas that built this country are erased alongside them. Kimmel’s suspension and the arrests at Windsor castle are the beginning of a growing pattern that we must prevent from spreading. As the price of everything goes up, we need to protect our freedom while it’s still affordable.