The right-wing angle of most of most of these comments, while not surprising considering the article, belies the fact that the right has a similar free speech problem to the left. In fact, the left response has been partially motivated by opposition to a notably authoritarian former president and his willing allies. Where is any discussion of things such as:
- Anti-BDS (Boycott, Divest, Sanction) statues being written into state and local law in jurisdictions all over the country.
- Efforts to legally sanction corporations that exercise their free speech rights in opposition to certain political issues, such as repealing MLBs antitrust protection for moving the All-star game from Georgia.
- Even if there are not legal efforts, widespread outrage at similar exercises of free speech, such as the rights holders of Dr. Seuss books voluntarily deciding to discontinue publication of a small subset of his not-very popular books.
- Anti-protest bills that in some cases essentially decriminalize violent opposition to the free speech rights of people you may not agree with. (1)
- The Trump White House banning left-of-center media from attending certain events (2), and overall making numerous statements aiming to paint media they don't agree with as fake, lying, etc.
I can readily admit the left has a free speech problem, but this problem is in no way unique to the left.
- Anti-BDS (Boycott, Divest, Sanction) statues being written into state and local law in jurisdictions all over the country.
- Efforts to legally sanction corporations that exercise their free speech rights in opposition to certain political issues, such as repealing MLBs antitrust protection for moving the All-star game from Georgia.
- Even if there are not legal efforts, widespread outrage at similar exercises of free speech, such as the rights holders of Dr. Seuss books voluntarily deciding to discontinue publication of a small subset of his not-very popular books.
- Anti-protest bills that in some cases essentially decriminalize violent opposition to the free speech rights of people you may not agree with. (1)
- The Trump White House banning left-of-center media from attending certain events (2), and overall making numerous statements aiming to paint media they don't agree with as fake, lying, etc.
I can readily admit the left has a free speech problem, but this problem is in no way unique to the left.
(1) https://www.koco.com/article/oklahoma-legislature-oks-bill-t... (2) https://outline.com/dfhh9h