Staff Reports
In a recent decision, a federal court criticized the Biden administration for potentially violating the First Amendment by censoring content on social media platforms and pressuring them to remove certain posts. The court issued an injunction prohibiting government officials, including members of Biden's cabinet, from participating in meetings intended at censoring social media speech. The judge even compared the government's actions to George Orwell's "Ministry of Truth" and noted that conservative speech was targeted disproportionately. It is evident that the Biden administration is significantly invested in these actions, as they are currently contesting the decision and attempting to continue their actions throughout the appeals process.
Musk and Shellenberger Shine Spotlight on Big Question in Wake of Biden Censorship Decision https://t.co/uQEk0JJkCR
— RedState (@RedState) July 7, 2023
In a Washington Post article, journalist Michael Shellenberger and entrepreneur Elon Musk drew attention to the issue by highlighting a particular detail. The "regular Wednesday meeting" between the State Department and Facebook has been suspended, along with all future meetings. This begs the question: why does the government even hold frequent meetings with social media platforms? It appears to imply an uncomfortably close relationship in which the government exerts pressure on these platforms to censor content. Musk inquires appropriately, "I wonder what goes on at the'regular Wednesday meeting'?" It is concerning that these meetings even take place, as they indicate an abuse of government authority.
Experts said yesterday's anti-censorship court ruling was too badly written to be implemented, but it's already working. The State Department today canceled its regular Wednesday meeting with Facebook, and all future meetings, "pending further guidance.”https://t.co/5ZKMdXUEPU
— Michael Shellenberger (@shellenberger) July 6, 2023
I wonder what goes on at the “regular Wednesday meeting”
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 6, 2023
If history is any guide, a lot of bullying.https://t.co/yHN4xf6nXP pic.twitter.com/E7uaQwV2II
— Michael Shellenberger (@shellenberger) July 6, 2023
Shellenberger emphasizes the need to clear up the chaos caused by the government's attempts to dictate the "truth" The government is not responsible for determining what is true and false. The fact that the Biden State Department canceled the "regular Wednesday meeting" is revealing, given that they were scheduled to discuss election preparations and cyber threats. The prohibited contact is limited to conversations that advocate the censorship of protected free speech. By postponing the meeting, it appears they are apprehensive that their actions could be interpreted as inappropriate. This further demonstrates the need for the government to reevaluate its relationship with social media platforms and preserve free speech.
It is evident that the Biden administration has violated the First Amendment with its actions. Their attempts to control the narrative and censor speech are abhorrent and run counter to the principles of free speech. The court's ruling is a step in the correct direction, but much work remains to ensure that the government does not violate our constitutional rights. Let's hope this decision serves as a wake-up call and leads to a future approach that is more respectful and protective of free speech.
