Blackmail and extortion

C&F questions why either of these things can or should be crimes.  I agree.  Why can’t people offer to not exercise a First Amendment right for cash?  Hell, most of us agree to waive constitutional rights in exchange for compensation all the time.  Why is it that different rules apply when the “right” we are waiving is the “right” to speak about a crime someone else committed?

 

Update: Although I have a constitutional right to scream vulgarities and watch pr0n, someone just offered me cash (and a 401(k)) to not only refrain from doing those things, but to express the views of others. Should I call the FBI?