Your post reads like a report out of Russia, China, or North Korea, exposing how our First Amendment rights are attacked. Your point about accepting criticism really hits home. I comment often on Substack or Bluesky, but venturing onto Facebook triggers real vitriol—even from friends. It’s deterring.
The ongoing issue, though, isn't just about us developing thicker skin. It’s institutional. What are our schools teaching about how to disagree? How are J-schools handling hate speech and AI? Are our faith and government institutions actually protecting the value of dissent?
I was the defendant of a SLAPP lawsuit from the city of Davenport for having the temerity to stand up and speak before the city council about the incompetence, corruption and cronyism in Davenport's city hall. On numerous occasions the mayor would order the Chief of Police to arrest me or remove me from the chambers (to the Chief's credit, he refused to arrest me).
Since it’s become obvious the inmates are running the asylum, one is compelled to ask, just who’s writing their day passes. We the people?
Nailed them again, Randy!
amen brother, amen
Your post reads like a report out of Russia, China, or North Korea, exposing how our First Amendment rights are attacked. Your point about accepting criticism really hits home. I comment often on Substack or Bluesky, but venturing onto Facebook triggers real vitriol—even from friends. It’s deterring.
The ongoing issue, though, isn't just about us developing thicker skin. It’s institutional. What are our schools teaching about how to disagree? How are J-schools handling hate speech and AI? Are our faith and government institutions actually protecting the value of dissent?
I was the defendant of a SLAPP lawsuit from the city of Davenport for having the temerity to stand up and speak before the city council about the incompetence, corruption and cronyism in Davenport's city hall. On numerous occasions the mayor would order the Chief of Police to arrest me or remove me from the chambers (to the Chief's credit, he refused to arrest me).