I support free speech for all - even lefties. Was hostile and not properly done but don’t feel someone should be fired to expressing political views unless there’s some other interest at stake.
This is a private company that has decided that the actions of one of its employees reflected poorly on the company, and decided to act. That is certainly well within their rights, and does not infringe on the rights of the employee - the employee is free to express whatever opinions he wishes, but does not have the right to be free from the consequences of those opinions.
Of course, that is much different than the Chick-fil-a matter. In that case, public officials were threatening to use the power of government to punish a company for speech it did not like. That is a clear violation of the First Amendment.
Now, if the university this guy lectures for decided to fire him over it, he might have a case, assuming that it is a publicly-funded university.
This branched out into “conduct unbecoming”. A chief-anything officer of a company is on duty 24/7, and deliberately presenting an image that is unattractive to the company is a firing offense.
Basic clause in an executive contract stipulates about their private actions having impact on brand name. His actions did irreparable damage to their brand. He was fired with cause. It is not a free speech issue at all.
“I support free speech for all - even lefties.”
You’re speaking of supporting Constitutional free speech which has to do with the govt hindering you.
“Was hostile and not properly done but don’t feel someone should be fired to expressing political views unless there’s some other interest at stake.”
In personal matters it’s more likely you’re using free will and you make a dumb decision to act or speak your mind, just as this fool did, but you risk the consequences - such as get beat up, get shot, or fired.
He recorded what he did and shared it. It went viral. As the CFO and VP of a corporation, one has a duty to that company to protect its image. I’m sure he signed a contract to that effect. What he did reflected very badly on his former employer. Now he has to live with the consequences of his actions. As an adult, he should understand that.
Totally disagree...
There is a time and a place for these types of discussions. Harassing a worker doing his job because of what management has stated abt a personal belief is not right or appropriate...
Actually, it’s a chicken sh*t way to make your point.
He is, well now was, an officer of the company. He went to someone else’s business and berated an employee. He filmed it. He publicly embarrassed his company by posting it on the internet and doing public relations damage. If it were his own company, it would be different and would be a free speech issue. He had his free speech and 15 minutes of fame (or being a total a-hole). By potentially harming his company, he got what he deserved.
There's a higher standard expected of such people who act as the professional face of the organization.
Bullying a lowly fast food worker, and posting it online, does NOT reflect well on his employer and he damned well knew it.
His behavior could easily affect the company's pocketbook and when you have a high profile position your action do reflect on your employers when done in the manner in which it was done.
I would have fired him as well!
Re: “free speech” for all. You need to take a peek at the wording of the First Amendment.
Guy wasn't fired for talking to the girl, the moron was fired for posting it and holding his company up to ridicule.
What this guy did may have been free speech as far as constitutional protection from government interference is concerned, but it was rude, uncivil and downright creepy. He deserved to lose his job. Hey, Adam Smith, how does that free water taste now???