It looks like KNME Director of Content Franz Joachim, or someone else over at the University of New Mexico, just made a big mistake that seriously undercuts their credibility as a media outlet. A couple of sources reprinted a press releases by Adam Kokesh regarding his right to bear arms for the taping of a political talk show. The mistake I’m talking about is not the one where UNM refused to allow him to open carry a weapon after he had already done so without incident, although it could be easily argued that was a mistake. The big problem is that they uninvited him from participating in another previously scheduled appearance because he sent out a press release:
After sending out the press release below, Iraq veteran, former congressional candidate, and host of Adam VS The Man on AM 1550 KIVA, Adam Kokesh was “uninvited” from participating in the scheduled taping of “The Line” today for KNME TV. Despite receiving death threats, Kokesh was originally denied his request to legally open carry at the studios on the University of New Mexico campus, then abruptly denied his opportunity to participate in this publicly sponsored political talk program. At 11am this morning, KNME Director of Content Franz Joachim called Kokesh to inform him that because of the previous press release he was no longer welcome.
Regarding this gross disregard for public safety and freedom of speech, Kokesh said, “No Iraqi ever threatened me, but I was given a gun and told to patrol Iraq to fight for our freedoms. When I came home, fellow Americans threatened me, and I was denied my basic right to self-defense. Having a government sponsored institution making people feel unsafe to speak out politically is unacceptable.”
In one fail swoop, a taxpayer funded entity just trampled on the first and second amendment of the Bill of Rights. Unfortunately, I can’t say I’m surprised that UNM disregards our second amendment rights, although I wonder if they would treat Governor Martinez the same way if she was (or when she has been) a guest on one of their shows?
With that said, I am flabbergasted by the concept of a citizen being uninvited from a political discourse show produced by a taxpayer-funded University for publicly, and in a completely non-violent manner, expressing an opinion. Universities are supposed to be places where the free flow of ideas are encouraged, not punished or kept from ever seeing the light of day. This is absolutely reprehensible, and it’ll be interesting to see what action is taken by those who position themselves as ardent defenders of free speech.