Fox News host, retired judge Jeanine Pirro, made a comment regarding Ilhan Omar’s (D Minn,) wearing of a hijab  being a possible adherence to Sharia law. This, following some of the latter’s supposedly anti-Semitic recent public comments.  Pirro said, “Is her adherence to this Islamic doctrine indicative of her adherence to Sharia law, which in itself is antithetical to the United States Constitution?

Fox News pulled Pirro’s show, “Justice with Judge Jeanine”, from its lineup and admonished her stating, “We strongly condemn Jeanine Pirro’s comments about Rpe. Ilhan Omar”…”They do not reflect those of the network and we have addressed the matter with her directly.”

At this point, Pirro’s position at Fox News has not been released; but the executives at Fox News should know they have an important decision to make. Their decision will determine whether their policies adhere to the rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, as they claim…or they don’t adhere to the rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Free speech is the issue here. There is also the issue of the loss of some sponsors.

Responding to the uproar, Pirro said (in part), ” My intention was to ask a question and start a debate, but of course because one is Muslim does not mean you don’t support the Constitution.” Pirro hasn’t apologized for her hijab comments.

The question at hand is simple: Will Fox News prioritize advertising dollars over its hosts’ freedom of speech?

Rep. Omar has the right to wear a hijab and to make anti-Semitic comments. Pirro has the right to find fault with Rep. Omar’s comments and insult her for wearing a hijab. Fox News has the right to admonish Pirro.  Fox News has the right to fire Pirro for speaking her mind (or do they?). Pirro has the right to sue Fox News for wrongful termination (unless she foolishly signed a contract disallowing her to exercise her right to free speech on the air). All very hapless, confusing and childish.

By pulling “Justice with Judge Jeanine” from the lineup, Fox News stepped over the line into the censoring/politically correct territory of liberal cable news. This delegitimizes the network.

Fox News executives should realize what Rush Limbaugh knows all too well. You shouldn’t fear controversy… particularly when you have logic on your side.