The suspension of Phil Robertson from the A&E series "Duck Dynasty" has ignited a free speech debate.

Robertson was suspended from the show Wednesday over anti-gay remarks he made in a new interview with GQ. Robertson compared homosexuality to bestiality and adultery, telling the magazine that same-sex couples are "not logical, my man."

On Facebook, Sarah Palin defended his right to speak his mind:

And others took an opposing view, such as Steve Marmel, a television writer and producer.

Palin may have the weight of a large Facebook following and fans of the television show on her side, but we think Marmel has the correct read on this news.

This isn't a free speech issue. It's about responsibility for the speech that comes out of your mouth.

Robertson is free to speak his mind all he wants.

His employers, however, are free to decide if they want racists or homophobes or bigots or Communists or Nazis on their television network.

In this case, A&E executives decided that Robertson was not the kind of person they want on the air. They have every right to make that call.

Robertson? He can still practice free speech. It's just that his audience is, deservedly, much, much smaller.