Donald Sterling and the Crime of Opinion

Donald Sterling is the owner of LA Clippers basketball team who, you may recall, was allegedly caught on tape talking about how he really doesn’t like black people. His thoughts and ideas were recorded by his girl friend, who isn’t white, so he’s not a racist as long as the woman is hot. Typical white male.

His family quickly issued statements saying that they don’t share his “despicable” ideas, and everybody under the sun has hurried to any TV camera in spitting distance to make sure we know where they stand, letting out a breathless blubbering rush of “Sterling’s ideas are his own and I’m not guilty by association because I voted for Obama three times so I’m not a racist okay?” which is apparently necessary, less they get tarred and feathered by the 187th “So Help Me God” Division of the Sharpton Commandos, who are landing in LA for some justice.

Speaking of Barrack, he had to get involved, because, as a capable basketball player himself, he knows what it’s like for the homies on the court. He allegedly said, “If I had a son, I wouldn’t let him play for the Clippers,” but I wasn’t really listening. I’m sure that’s close enough.

Joking aside, there are bigger questions in this case that demand an answer.

Why do so many seek, so quickly, to disassociate themselves with Sterling and his remarks?

Is it a crime to hold an unpopular opinion? If so, we’re all guilty of something. Are the activists trying to scare us into silence?

It is a disturbing trend in this country that anybody who says they don’t like gays, Muslims, blacks, or miscellaneous, for whatever reason, suddenly are faced with investigations and resignations and forced apologies. Why is it a crime to say something that isn’t popular? What do those running away from Sterling fear?

What will the next criminal opinion be?

Support for capitalism?

Doubting global warming?

Holding a Bible study in your home?

It’s a slippery slope, folks. Better hope the friction doesn’t burn a hole in your jeans.