During a Senate committee hearing on Wednesday, Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., sparked outrage on social media by saying that if you “espouse hate,” you may not have First Amendment rights.
During final remarks on how to control online communication through both the corporate and public sectors, Cardin mentioned First Amendment safeguards.
“It is incredibly valuable part of our fabric and can be used for good, and we know that it can be used for bad. I admire your desire for the private sector to do what’s right. We do hope that’s the case, but I do think there’s a role for government consistent with our First Amendment. For us establishing parameters, if you espouse hate, if you espouse violence, you’re not protected under the First Amendment,” Cardin said.
He added, “I think we can be more aggressive in the way that we handle that type of use of the internet. We know that Europe has done things, I think we have to learn things from each other. I hope we can figure out the strategy that we need everybody united on it.”
Cardin’s comments saw intense backlash for calling for limitations to speech based on “espousing hate.” It’s a dangerous argument because who decides what’s hate? After all it’s the same right that allows Dems to attack the constitution which in other countries would be a crime.
Independent journalist Glenn Greenwald wrote, “Everything that @SenatorCardin says here about the First Amendment is a demonstrable lie. But this shouldn’t be surprising since a core plank of the Dem Party – not an ancillary one but a core – is state greater censorship of online political speech.”
Democrats have long attacked the right to free speech in America. They have often sought to restrict it through legislation and court decisions. They have also sought to limit the ability of individuals to express their beliefs, often by using intimidation and censorship. In addition, they have sought to silence those who disagree with their own beliefs or policies.
This has been done through hate speech laws, bans on certain topics or words, and the use of public shaming. Democrats have also sought to keep certain speech out of public forums, such as college campuses, by limiting the ability of students to express their opinions.
Everything that @SenatorCardin says here about the First Amendment is a demonstrable lie.
But this shouldn’t be surprising since a core plank of the Dem Party – not an ancillary one but a core – is state greater censorship of online political speech: https://t.co/3cClnPr0o1
— Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) December 29, 2022
These attempts to silence free speech in America have been met with criticism from individuals and organizations across the political spectrum. Ultimately, Democrats must recognize that free speech is an essential part of democracy and must be protected and respected.
Erica Carlin is an independent journalist, opinion writer and contributor to several news and opinion sources. She is based in Georgia.