In his July 17-18 column, “Sensitive about free speech,” it’s interesting that Kent Ward quotes Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black who liked to be known for his strict and literal interpretation of the Constitution.

Many Americans seem to think that firing a politically controversial employee or spokesperson by a company violates the First Amendment to the Constitution. The First Amendment addresses strictly the acts of Congress. “Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech…”

Only Congress can violate the First Amendment. It isn’t possible for an individual or for a company to violate another’s First Amendment right to free speech.

Gerrard W. Rudmin

Dexter