We all saw what Elon Musk did. Kuffel did not deserve to be fired for the truth
Regarding the termination of Sam Kuffel's employment at CBS58, an expression of First Amendment rights on social media, it would seem, should not incur penalties, let alone 'cancellation."
My view (but only an opinion) is Elon Musk was not consciously making a Nazi salute. Although I will leave to psychologists whether it was subconscious. The maternal side of Musk's family were Hitler supporting members of the Canadian (German) party who emigrated to South Africa as they supported its then apartheid regime. Or at least, according to a recent interview given by Musk's father regarding his former wife's (Elon's mother) family. He also recalled being made quite uncomfortable by them.
More: What can be learned from Sam Kuffel case? Readers weigh-in | Opinion
I can't know Musk's intentions, and I reject holding children of their parents responsible for the sins of the latter. Although given the context provided above, it is not beyond the realm of the possible that his intentions were impure, even if my personal sense is they were not. Regardless, Kuffel should be able to express her opinion on the matter without losing her livelihood.
Even though it should not have to be said, members of the Jewish community (and the rest of us) might wonder why the person criticizing a figure for making what appeared to be a fascist salute is fired, when it might indeed be more appropriate to ask why our 'Apprentice' president did not tell Musk, 'you're fired?'
Jeffrey Sommers, Shorewood
Sam Kuffel was fired for exercising her free speech when she had a platform to speak as an American.
I too believe that Musk gave the Nazi salute during an event at the presidential inauguration. Thank you to Kuffel for acknowledging what so many of us witnessed and recognized and have no voice in the public forum.
I commend her as a fellow human being and fellow American. Was her timing inappropriate? Maybe. Was it worthy of being fired, I don't believe so.
Wake up, America.
Stacey Nocella, Blanchester, OH
More: Majority of readers in poll say CBS 58 made the wrong call on Kuffel | Opinion
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: CBS58 wrong to fire meteorologist for comments about Musk | Letters
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