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> Pao rejected the idea that Thiel’s donation could be dismissed as political speech. We agree that people shouldn’t be fired for their political views, but thi
by arcanus 10y ago
> Pao rejected the idea that Thiel’s donation could be dismissed as political speech. We agree that people shouldn’t be fired for their political views, but this isn’t a disagreement on tax policy, this is advocating hatred and violence
'We agree, except for this case.'
'Freespeech: unless it isn't.'
- TylerH 10y agoWell, yes, duh. Either it is a political view that shouldn't be a fireable offense, or it's not. Pao says this crosses the line. If you're the CEO of a company that works to prevent rape and empower victims, and one of your employees is bankrolling Brock Turner's defense case in court, don't you think that's a pretty severe conflict of interest? It's with the same incredulity that Josh Lyman asked a gay congressman on The West Wing how he could caucus with a Republican party that viewed him as a second-class citizen; less than human.
- wsy 10y agoThere is a common misunderstanding about free speech. Free speech means that your are not prosecuted for what you say (or - in this case - what you support). However, free speech does not mean "free from any consequences at all". Other people are still entitled to react on your expression of opinion. So Pao's reaction is not at all in conflict with the right of free speech.