Dear Editor,
As a proud American who believes deeply in the Constitution, I am writing with concern about something that affects all of us—regardless of political party.
Recently, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert was canceled. Former President Donald Trump celebrated the decision, not because Colbert broke any laws, but because he made jokes about him. Trump then suggested that Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon should be “next to go.”
I understand that not everyone likes late-night comedy. But this is not about Hollywood—it is about something much bigger: our right to speak freely.
The First Amendment protects everyone’s voice, even when we disagree with what is being said. That is what sets our country apart from places where leaders silence critics or control the media.
CBS says Colbert’s cancellation was a business decision. But when you look at the timing—a $16 million settlement with Trump and a media merger needing government approval—it is fair to ask whether politics played a role.
I am not writing to stir division. I am writing because I care about the freedoms, we all share. If we start cheering when voices are shut down just because we do not like them, we risk losing the very liberties that make this country great.
Free speech is not a Democratic or Republican issue—it is an American value. Let us protect it together for everyone.
Susan Stone
