My most recent employer says they have the right to fire anyone who says anything on the Internet or elsewhere that they don't like. Of course, it's illegal. The Left dares us to take them to court or public, because it is costly to do so.
80’s huh? ;-)
In the late 70’s I had a history prof who started every class with a couple of jokes based on current political events in the news. He skewered everyone and the students loved it.