You Should Know

Barely anyone truly believes in it. They only care when they need it.

I've been a free speech advocate and activist for years and I helped people that literally wanted me banned 2 months prior for the most nonsense reasons. They didnt care sbout free speech until they stepped over a line - then, free speech was the most important thing in the world.

That's universal for all political alignments btw. It's both fascist clowns or wannabe antifa super soldiers. Both only care about it when it's needed.

Yes, this is absolutely true. The evidence is clear when you consider how Twitter is going and with the censorship mentality spreading to other media, like the Reddit bans.

It’s important for everybody to not just assume the people on your own team, or the people that look like you, are being truthful and arguing in good faith.

That goes for everybody, but it seems pretty consistent that you need to me more wary of it as you move towards the conservative end of the scale. And conveniently for those politicians, the citizens on that end of the scale are the worst at cutting through the BS. Arguably that’s what landed them there in the first place!

This video is an oldie but a goodie, and deserves a listen for its analysis of fascist dialogue and how to talk to and about these assholes. A lot of us haven't engaged with this sphere for a long time and this is a good primer on pushing back.

Every single thing a fascist (unless to a fellow fascist) is designed to throw good people off the stink of their despicable beliefs.

https://youtu.be/Sx4BVGPkdzk

I am a free speech absolutist. Evil people should say what they want to do...so that I can tell them what will happen if they try to ICE my neighbors. 🔫 🩸

The thing about modern discourse on social media platforms like Reddit, is that bigots get to threaten people all they like. If a good person mentions Luigi or what should happen to Musk, they get banned. THIS is the real threat to democracy.

It is best if the bad guys don't work in secret. They should expose themselves to be monsters early and often, with decent folk making it clear that evil positions deserve equally merciless responses. I think part of why the Republicans have been so successful, is because they feel like "winners" to people who value assertiveness. Democrats almost always holds true to decorum and norms - which gives them the impression of being "weak" losers.

Some people vote for the strong, because by extension, it makes themselves feel strong. I think this explains why some people simply never listen to any amount of reason or evidence - they perceive the world through feelings, not thought. This is why "rough" speaking democrats might hold value in our society, because they can speak the same language, while still holding the values of goodness close to their heart.

To put it simply, a lot of Republicans might cease supporting Trump, if the following entered their mind: "They are stronger than me. I don't want to get punched! Let's stay home."

...it isn't terrific, but I think some people are simply biased towards authority. Be it good or evil.

Which is why liberalism in a not so democratic country can do little to stop this type of decline. Too non violent, too careful, too scared

Ideally one would vote out authoritarian candidates, but what to do when it’s a taboo to criticize electronic vote counting? Vote counting on electronic platforms run by the very people the liberals oppose? Vote counting supported by a steadfast belief of state governments not being corrupted, and not being in cahoots with the wealthy families running said platforms?

“There are safeguards”, ”I trust in the process”

Then when voting fails what to do but use free speech to oppose what is happening?

“Surely they will allow my voice to rise and be heard and I can use reason”

Yes people will hear you but it won’t do much.