“Perhaps you feel insulted, attacked, or even… perish the thought… hated. There’s a reason for that, and it has very little to do with what you read or heard. The problem is, well, you.”
Anyone who says "I believe in free speech, but," doesn't. The self-appointed Nazi hunters here are proof of that. They're bullies accustomed to getting their way by whining to "trust and safety" commissions on social media sites. By lying about the extent of both engagement and content with their nebulous definitions of what and who is a Nazi, they get to define the terms of what they believe should be restricted, and anyone who disagrees is a Nazi.
I worry about how long Substack can hold out though before a new hivemind braintrust arrives.
“The important thing here is that you learn, understand, and make sense of it for yourself and your family and friends.”
I love your ending on what to do. I try to calm the irritation of those believing that knowledge demands immediate action, as if I’m recruiting for a revolution. The most neurotic and narcissistic are particularly disturbed at having their daydreams about rainbows, recipes, and puppy dogs with big ribbons around their necks disturbed by thoughts of creeping or actual fascism, as they back away to resume hiding under the bed with free-floating anxiety. They are the ones who are shocked, shocked!! by the spectacle du jour as reported by your friendly broadcaster. They are the most likely to turn into a dangerous unfocused mob, following blindly over a cliff.
Light chases away fear so one can think straight, and that’s a good start.
I appreciate the personal touch you brought to this piece. A lot of us, myself included, have fallen into the habit of debating free speech in the abstract or as a check against systemic dysfunction. It's vital to remember how immediate and individual it is, as well.
We're of the same generation, so I'm glad you made sure to note the role of the internet here. The late gen x and early millennial cohorts need to get our act together; if we don't make a concerted effort to pass on pre-internet knowledge, things could get extremely concerning once the before times pass out of living memory.
You and I can stand shoulder to shoulder defending the rights of our fellow man to say whatever THE FUCK THEY WANT! As long as they aren't yelling fire in a crowded theatre when there is no fire, I will defend unto my death their right to say whatever they want. I'm one BOOMER that they didn't get to. I believe in FREEDOM as long as I harm no one else. Freedom to own whatever I want as long as I can afford it and I don't use it to harm anyone else. That means if I want an APACHE ATTACK HELICOPTER to guard my county, I should be able to own one if I can afford it. I'm so sick of living in a society run by "What if"?
Free speech is the right from which all other individual rights flow. Without free speech, you cannot have the freedom of expression, of religion, or most especially the right to legally bear arms.
Voltaire, Greenwald, and Snowden are certainly great examples of people who knew and acted on that point. Snowden is not only a free speech advocate, but an American hero for exposing the crimes of our government. As is Manning, of course.
Just don't forget Julian Assange. He's still in jail for sin of practicing journalism, and without journalism, free speech has a much tougher time of it.
I fear that the divide between those who think "Snowden = hero" and those who think "Snowden = traitor" is one never likely to be bridged.
It all kind of depends on what you think the United States of America is, or should be. Is it an example of a society in which individual freedom and choice is regarded as the highest good, or is it just another authoritarian my-sportsball-team shithole in which loyalty to the flag is all that counts?
I've always been a believer in free speech, but the Trump era has made me a hardliner. Those calling for censorship, lockdown, take your jabs gramma killer, it is all of a piece, coming from fake-adults acting out petty authoritarian impulses like idiot children.
“Perhaps you feel insulted, attacked, or even… perish the thought… hated. There’s a reason for that, and it has very little to do with what you read or heard. The problem is, well, you.”
That, right there. 👆
Thank you for the post and the Snowden tag.
I'm reminded of my friend's forum signature;
"And as always, I reserve the right to be wrong."
A very pro free speech sentiment.
I’ve got Glenn’s and Edward’s books on my Kindle and just brought Graham Linehan’s book.
Anyone who says "I believe in free speech, but," doesn't. The self-appointed Nazi hunters here are proof of that. They're bullies accustomed to getting their way by whining to "trust and safety" commissions on social media sites. By lying about the extent of both engagement and content with their nebulous definitions of what and who is a Nazi, they get to define the terms of what they believe should be restricted, and anyone who disagrees is a Nazi.
I worry about how long Substack can hold out though before a new hivemind braintrust arrives.
“The important thing here is that you learn, understand, and make sense of it for yourself and your family and friends.”
I love your ending on what to do. I try to calm the irritation of those believing that knowledge demands immediate action, as if I’m recruiting for a revolution. The most neurotic and narcissistic are particularly disturbed at having their daydreams about rainbows, recipes, and puppy dogs with big ribbons around their necks disturbed by thoughts of creeping or actual fascism, as they back away to resume hiding under the bed with free-floating anxiety. They are the ones who are shocked, shocked!! by the spectacle du jour as reported by your friendly broadcaster. They are the most likely to turn into a dangerous unfocused mob, following blindly over a cliff.
Light chases away fear so one can think straight, and that’s a good start.
But Trump!!!
I appreciate the personal touch you brought to this piece. A lot of us, myself included, have fallen into the habit of debating free speech in the abstract or as a check against systemic dysfunction. It's vital to remember how immediate and individual it is, as well.
We're of the same generation, so I'm glad you made sure to note the role of the internet here. The late gen x and early millennial cohorts need to get our act together; if we don't make a concerted effort to pass on pre-internet knowledge, things could get extremely concerning once the before times pass out of living memory.
You and I can stand shoulder to shoulder defending the rights of our fellow man to say whatever THE FUCK THEY WANT! As long as they aren't yelling fire in a crowded theatre when there is no fire, I will defend unto my death their right to say whatever they want. I'm one BOOMER that they didn't get to. I believe in FREEDOM as long as I harm no one else. Freedom to own whatever I want as long as I can afford it and I don't use it to harm anyone else. That means if I want an APACHE ATTACK HELICOPTER to guard my county, I should be able to own one if I can afford it. I'm so sick of living in a society run by "What if"?
Dude, you've been bringing electricity to your words here lately (even more so than before), and I am so here for it.
An excellent piece, good sir. We ride at dawn...
Well said.
Free speech is the right from which all other individual rights flow. Without free speech, you cannot have the freedom of expression, of religion, or most especially the right to legally bear arms.
Voltaire, Greenwald, and Snowden are certainly great examples of people who knew and acted on that point. Snowden is not only a free speech advocate, but an American hero for exposing the crimes of our government. As is Manning, of course.
Just don't forget Julian Assange. He's still in jail for sin of practicing journalism, and without journalism, free speech has a much tougher time of it.
I fear that the divide between those who think "Snowden = hero" and those who think "Snowden = traitor" is one never likely to be bridged.
It all kind of depends on what you think the United States of America is, or should be. Is it an example of a society in which individual freedom and choice is regarded as the highest good, or is it just another authoritarian my-sportsball-team shithole in which loyalty to the flag is all that counts?
Merry Christmas!
I've always been a believer in free speech, but the Trump era has made me a hardliner. Those calling for censorship, lockdown, take your jabs gramma killer, it is all of a piece, coming from fake-adults acting out petty authoritarian impulses like idiot children.