In the corporate world, speaking against Charlie Kirk can be a risky business. Matthew Dowd lost his job for hinting at karma in motion, and a Perkins Coie associate was dismissed for labeling Kirk a major purveyor of hate and misinformation. However, a former reality TV star seems to have dodged the career-ending bullet by making light of what many consider a national tragedy.

The star's comment came during a Fox News segment, where he quipped about Kirk's stance that "There is no such thing as hate speech," suggesting posthumously, Kirk might disagree. This remark has stirred up a significant buzz, yet unlike others who have faced severe repercussions for less, this individual remains untouched.

The incident underscores a broader issue within American discourse. High-profile figures like Donald Trump have historically faced minimal consequences despite making controversial or even offensive statements, pointing to a double standard in how public figures are treated based on their political affiliations or celebrity status.

For instance, while ABC indefinitely suspended Jimmy Kimmel in fear of FCC reprisals, Trump’s provocative comments skate by, revealing a stark contrast in how media and political pressures influence corporate and network decisions on content moderation. This method, known as "jawboning," involves the government indirectly influencing speech by intimidating private entities, a tactic that skirts the legal boundaries of free speech protection.

This situation highlights the peculiar tolerance for certain political figures who, despite engaging in what some might consider incendiary rhetoric, continue to escape the usual professional hazards faced by others in the media landscape. It raises questions about consistency, fairness, and the real price of free speech in a polarized America.

As debates around these issues rage on, the implications of such discrepancies remain a hot topic for commentators and the public alike. With freedom of speech at the forefront, the balance between regulation and expression continues to challenge the very fabric of American democratic and cultural norms.