"Harris-Walz: A Potential Threat to Free Speech?"
Written by Jonathan Turley,
Approximately five centuries ago, a new dance style emerged in Augsburg, Germany. It was quickly named the “waltz” after the German word for “to roll or revolve.” Today, Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz is seen as a master of this dance, but in a political sense. Walz's political maneuvers, or "Walzing," have become his signature move following his controversial statements on his alleged socialist views, the abolition of the electoral college, and other topics.
On a recent Sunday, Walz was interviewed by Fox News host Shannon Bream. During the interview, Bream asked Walz about his previous statement that there is “no guarantee to free speech on misinformation or hate speech.” This statement contradicts decades of Supreme Court decisions. Walz did not deny or retract his statement during the interview, which ironically became an example of misinformation itself.
First Amendment and Misinformation
Misinformation and hate speech are not exceptions to the First Amendment. Hate speech, as seen in the actions of infamous figures like KKK leader Clarence Brandenburg and the Nazis who marched in Skokie, Ill., is protected. However, both Harris and Walz strongly believe in the righteousness of censorship for disinformation, misinformation, and malinformation.
The Biden administration defines misinformation as “false, but not created or shared with the intention of causing harm.” This means that one could be subject to censorship even without intending harm. Malinformation is defined as “based on fact, but used out of context to mislead, harm, or manipulate.” Therefore, even if you post “true facts,” you could still be subject to censorship if you are perceived as misleading others.
Censorship Policies and Book Bans
Harris-Walz's censorship policies are not equivalent to book bans. After years of supporting censorship and blacklisting, Democrats are now trying to deflect questions by claiming that the GOP is the greater threat. “We’re seeing censorship coming in the form of book bannings in different places,” Walz told Bream. “We’re seeing attempts in schools.”
However, it's important to note that the Biden-Harris administration has actively supported the largest censorship system in our history, a system described by one federal court as “Orwellian.” These are relentless efforts to target individuals and groups for opposing views on subjects ranging from gender identity to climate change to COVID to election fraud.
Age Limitations and Censorship
While Walz and others rarely specifically reference the book bans in question, Florida is one state whose laws concern age limits on access to graphic or sexual material in schools. School districts have always been given wide latitude in making such decisions on curriculum or library policies. In fact, the left has demanded the banning or alteration of a number of classic books, including “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “Of Mice and Men,” under diversity or equity rationales.
Walz and others often justify censorship by citing the dangers of child pornography or threats made against individuals. Walz recently echoed Hillary Clinton’s pro-censorship campaign as he employed such misdirection. “The issue on this was the hate speech and the protected hate speech — speech that’s aimed at creating violence, speech that’s aimed at threats to individuals,” he stated.
Content Moderation and Censorship
What stands out is that, after years of openly embracing censorship (often under the euphemism of “content moderation”), the left does not seem eager to discuss it in this election. Democrats in Congress opposed every major effort to investigate the role of the Biden administration in the social-media censorship system it constructed. Many denied any such connection.
Elon Musk ended much of that debate with the release of the Twitter Files showing thousands of emails from the administration targeting individuals and groups with opposing views. Now the public is being asked to vote for the most anti-free speech ticket in centuries — but neither Harris nor Walz want to discuss it in any detail.
Bottom Line
The result may be the largest bait-and-switch in history. Walz, Clinton, and others also falsely claim they are simply trying to stop things like child pornography — which is already covered by existing criminal laws. But what many on the left want is to regain what Clinton called their loss of “control” over what we are allowed to say or hear on social media.
The “Walzing” of free speech is one dance you would be wise to decline. Otherwise, do not be surprised if, when the music stops, you find yourself without both your partner and your free speech.
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"Harris-Walz: A Potential Threat to Free Speech?"
Written by Jonathan Turley,
Approximately five centuries ago, a new dance style emerged in Augsburg, Germany. It was quickly named the “waltz” after the German word for “to roll or revolve.” Today, Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz is seen as a master of this dance, but in a political sense. Walz's political maneuvers, or "Walzing," have become his signature move following his controversial statements on his alleged socialist views, the abolition of the electoral college, and other topics.
On a recent Sunday, Walz was interviewed by Fox News host Shannon Bream. During the interview, Bream asked Walz about his previous statement that there is “no guarantee to free speech on misinformation or hate speech.” This statement contradicts decades of Supreme Court decisions. Walz did not deny or retract his statement during the interview, which ironically became an example of misinformation itself.
