[arnklint]

I thought freedom of speech was a foundational thing in the US.

But I guess anyone could be silenced with enough economic incentive?

[ssnistfajen]

Freedom of speech in regard to public institutions. For private entities/individuals, any contract you willingly sign will reign supreme over whatever this "freedom of speech" thing is unless there's written law that explicitly forbids the forms of retaliation described within said contracts.