If someone has advice on how to break through to trump fans I'm all ears.

[Rambunctious]

If someone has advice on how to break through to trump fans I'm all ears. berg80​

 

[Papageorgio]

We had a pandemic. And trolls were spreading fake news that was costing lives. You don't think the administration should have tried to get Facebook to stop? And what did Biden threaten them with? Zuckadickberg is a *****. He even said next time he would stand up to an administration that "pressured" him to do it again. Yea right. Did you see him kissing Trump's ass this weekend?

In the short time that US president Donald Trump has held power, his administration has weaponised the federal government to suppress speech and punish his adversaries. In what many experts have challenged as a violation of First Amendment rights, a cornerstone of US democracy, President Trump has threatened protestors, banned news outlets from covering White House events and used executive orders to sanction law firms who he believes attacked him unfairly in the past. Subsequent court cases will test America’s most fundamental checks and balances on executive power.

You don't think Trump is telling Elon and other CEO's what to say? At least Biden wasn't telling them to lie for him.

Like the moment when Zuckerberg, seated directly to Trump’ right, was asked by the president how much Meta would be spending in the U.S. over the next few years.

“Oh, gosh,” Zuckerberg began, hesitating. “I mean, I think it’s probably going to be something like, I don’t know, at least $600 billion through ’28 in the U.S., yeah.”

Moments later a hot mic caught Zuckerburg “Sorry, I wasn’t ready to do a — a big announcement. I wasn’t — I wasn’t sure what number you wanted.”

And with that, the veil had been lifted

You should be afraid of lies. Jobs numbers, election results, etc. Trump is pro free speech too. Pro lies.

Trump was wrong to ask ABC to hide boos at the U.S. Open — that was about vanity and optics, and a network has every right to ignore him. But that’s very different from the Biden administration leaning on social media companies to suppress posts. When a president pressures platforms on what speech is acceptable, it’s not just about image, it’s about controlling the public square. That crosses into First Amendment territory, because government involvement in censoring speech is far more dangerous than a politician trying to manage bad press.

Yes, misinformation during COVID was real, but the Constitution doesn’t let government decide which opinions people can see. You don’t protect free society by handing politicians the power to silence speech “for our own good.” Once you normalize government censorship during a crisis, it won’t stop there — the same power will be used against political opponents, policy critics, or anyone outside the mainstream.

The bottom line: both Trump and Biden have had their faults, but Trump’s ask was about saving face, while Biden’s pressure was about bending the national dialogue. Free speech isn’t about protecting popular or “approved” opinions — it’s about making sure the government never gets to control what people say or hear.

 

[sealybobo]

Trump was wrong to ask ABC to hide boos at the U.S. Open — that was about vanity and optics, and a network has every right to ignore him. But that’s very different from the Biden administration leaning on social media companies to suppress posts. When a president pressures platforms on what speech is acceptable, it’s not just about image, it’s about controlling the public square. That crosses into First Amendment territory, because government involvement in censoring speech is far more dangerous than a politician trying to manage bad press.

Yes, misinformation during COVID was real, but the Constitution doesn’t let government decide which opinions people can see. You don’t protect free society by handing politicians the power to silence speech “for our own good.” Once you normalize government censorship during a crisis, it won’t stop there — the same power will be used against political opponents, policy critics, or anyone outside the mainstream.

The bottom line: both Trump and Biden have had their faults, but Trump’s ask was about saving face, while Biden’s pressure was about bending the national dialogue. Free speech isn’t about protecting popular or “approved” opinions — it’s about making sure the government never gets to control what people say or hear.

I see your point. This is why we are so worried about Trump using the military to invade cities. A lot of people foresee him using the military after he rigs the 2026 or 2028 elections.

I don't think the Biden admin went too far. Or would have gone too far. I don't think Kamala would have broken so many norms and rules like Trump is doing.

And I think if I were a Democratic president and a facebook was allowing FAKE NEWS to spread and we know now that fake news is how Trump won both elections, I think that's dangerous for our society. Our country. Our country is being dumbed down.

We have a lot of rich Republicans who own a lot of social media and they are all lying to the American people. I guess the founding fathers didn't think about this. What if our citizens were so dumbed down by misinformation that it became a problem. Should the administration go after those companies, (run by rich men)? If not, I can see why America is being taken over by the rich. They are doing it constitutionally. Lying, but still constitutionally.

And you're cool with that huh?

 

[Papageorgio]

I see your point. This is why we are so worried about Trump using the military to invade cities. A lot of people foresee him using the military after he rigs the 2026 or 2028 elections.

I don't think the Biden admin went too far. Or would have gone too far. I don't think Kamala would have broken so many norms and rules like Trump is doing.

And I think if I were a Democratic president and a facebook was allowing FAKE NEWS to spread and we know now that fake news is how Trump won both elections, I think that's dangerous for our society. Our country. Our country is being dumbed down.

We have a lot of rich Republicans who own a lot of social media and they are all lying to the American people. I guess the founding fathers didn't think about this. What if our citizens were so dumbed down by misinformation that it became a problem. Should the administration go after those companies, (run by rich men)? If not, I can see why America is being taken over by the rich. They are doing it constitutionally. Lying, but still constitutionally.

And you're cool with that huh?

I get where you’re coming from — none of us want lies or manipulation shaping elections. But the danger is in giving the government the power to decide what is “fake” and what isn’t. Once you hand politicians the authority to silence speech they label as misinformation, it won’t stop with your side. Imagine the same power in the hands of a president you don’t trust — suddenly it’s not just COVID posts being censored, but election questions, policy criticism, or even jokes. That’s exactly why the First Amendment was written the way it was.

The real safeguard against misinformation isn’t government censorship, it’s open debate, better speech, and an informed public. I’d rather risk some people being misled than allow the government to become the referee of truth. Because history shows us that when governments take control of speech “for the good of society,” it almost always ends up being abused. Free speech means tolerating voices we disagree with — otherwise it isn’t free.

I’d rather live in a country where people are free to lie than in one where the government decides what the truth is.

 

[sealybobo]

I get where you’re coming from — none of us want lies or manipulation shaping elections. But the danger is in giving the government the power to decide what is “fake” and what isn’t. Once you hand politicians the authority to silence speech they label as misinformation, it won’t stop with your side. Imagine the same power in the hands of a president you don’t trust — suddenly it’s not just COVID posts being censored, but election questions, policy criticism, or even jokes. That’s exactly why the First Amendment was written the way it was.

The real safeguard against misinformation isn’t government censorship, it’s open debate, better speech, and an informed public. I’d rather risk some people being misled than allow the government to become the referee of truth. Because history shows us that when governments take control of speech “for the good of society,” it almost always ends up being abused. Free speech means tolerating voices we disagree with — otherwise it isn’t free.

I’d rather live in a country where people are free to lie than in one where the government decides what the truth is.

Disinformation can erode trust in democratic institutions and harm national security, public health and our sense of community. But does that mean the government can — or should — punish falsehoods?

even false statements about public officials or figures are protected, as long as the speaker doesn’t know that they are false or take reckless disregard for their truth or falsehood.
The Supreme Court has said the Free Speech Clause protects false speech when viewed as a broad category, but the government may restrict limited subcategories of false speech without violating the First Amendment.

 

[Papageorgio]

Disinformation can erode trust in democratic institutions and harm national security, public health and our sense of community. But does that mean the government can — or should — punish falsehoods?

even false statements about public officials or figures are protected, as long as the speaker doesn’t know that they are false or take reckless disregard for their truth or falsehood.
The Supreme Court has said the Free Speech Clause protects false speech when viewed as a broad category, but the government may restrict limited subcategories of false speech without violating the First Amendment.

I’d rather live in a country where people are free to lie than in one where the government decides what the truth is, it is that simple.

 

[sealybobo]

I’d rather live in a country where people are free to lie than in one where the government decides what the truth is, it is that simple.

Sure me too. But when websites are spewing hate and lies, if I were an administration, I would put some pressure on that company to knock it off.

Can you name one candidate in US Presidential history who didn't or wouldn't? So why you giving Biden such a hard time over this one incident? When it's not even clear what Biden threatened Facebook with. Give me the details.

And sorry, but does it really even matter? The conservatives on the Supreme Court appointed by Bush and Trump said President's can't break the law if they are doing something in their official duties. Biden was just doing what he, as president, felt was right. Like encouraging people to get vaccinated.

This is why you should have voted for Gore and Hillary. Today your constitutional judges say Trump and Biden are/were above the law. Do you think liberal judges would ever rule such crazy nonsense?

 

[Papageorgio]

Sure me too. But when websites are spewing hate and lies, if I were an administration, I would put some pressure on that company to knock it off.

Can you name one candidate in US Presidential history who didn't or wouldn't? So why you giving Biden such a hard time over this one incident? When it's not even clear what Biden threatened Facebook with. Give me the details.

And sorry, but does it really even matter? The conservatives on the Supreme Court appointed by Bush and Trump said President's can't break the law if they are doing something in their official duties. Biden was just doing what he, as president, felt was right. Like encouraging people to get vaccinated.

This is why you should have voted for Gore and Hillary. Today your constitutional judges say Trump and Biden are/were above the law. Do you think liberal judges would ever rule such crazy nonsense?

Your inserting the “but” simply means you don’t agree with the statement, I’d rather live in a country where people are free to lie than in one where the government decides what the truth is.

 

[berg80]

But that’s very different from the Biden administration leaning on social media companies to suppress posts.

Posts that were spreading misinformation dangerous to the public's health.

 

[berg80]

Your inserting the “but” simply means you don’t agree with the statement, I’d rather live in a country where people are free to lie than in one where the government decides what the truth is.

But that isn't what happened. Your phrasing suggests you are familiar with the kind of subtle propaganda Faux engages in.

 

[sealybobo]

Your inserting the “but” simply means you don’t agree with the statement, I’d rather live in a country where people are free to lie than in one where the government decides what the truth is.

Yes, free to lie. BUT, if I see a website and it's harming society, I think I would try to do something about it. What I don't know. Maybe I would tax companies that spread lies. Nothing unconstitutional about that.

Didn't Biden allow X to be a place where racists can spew racism?

Spreading lies during a pandemic is dangerous to our society. So you're saying a company or person should be able to say anything even if it's harmful to our society/citizens?

Yes, BUT is right.

 

[Eman623]

If you want to change hearts and minds, start with yourself. Reevaluate every opinion you have and actively look for flaws in your own thinking. Once you've done that, let me know how it worked out.

I may still not give a **** what you think, but at least I'll respect your ideas more.

 

[Mashmont]

How did they come to believe defeats for the country and democracy are victories?

Do you think the record stock market is a defeat for the country?

 

[sealybobo]

If you want to change hearts and minds, start with yourself. Reevaluate every opinion you have and actively look for flaws in your own thinking. Once you've done that, let me know how it worked out.

I may still not give a **** what you think, but at least I'll respect your ideas more.

I find it's best I say nothing. I'm constantly hearing this woman at work who voted for Trump complain about him. But if I ask her about something he's done, she defends him. Better to let her think it out in her own head. When I say anything she goes into defensive mode.

Seems she doesn't want to admit to me she fucked up and voted for the wrong person.

 

[Dirk the Daring]

To ask that means you don't know the difference between debt and deficit. Budget surplus. Look it up. And it was projected. Assuming no idiot lies/gets us into 2 wars and gives rich people tax breaks.

Do you understand that stupid? Clinton didn't forsee those 2 wars Bush would get us into. How much did that hurt the DEBT? And how much did tax breaks he gave to the rich add to the debt? You see? You are really ******* stupid. Or rich. I mean super rich because my brother is rich and even he voted for Obama after 4 years of that clown.

Clinton borrowed from one arm of the government to pay the other arm of government. The alleged 'surplus' was a metric, it was never real. Hence the increase in the debt.

 

[Dirk the Daring]

So there was no surplus.

Got it.

I know the difference between debt and deficit, Simp. Our yearly deficits created the debt, so common sense dictates that a surplus would lower the debt. It went up every year Clinton was in office. Which, by the way, was years before any war the guy after him got us into.

It's literally the 'lie that will never die.' Dims want to believe it SO BADLY, and I really don't understand why - what exactly has EVERY SINGLE PRESIDENT done since then but increase the debt. So even it was true, which it isn't, what difference does it make today? Especially in light of Nancy Pelosi;

When Pelosi became minority leader in 2003, the national debt stood at $6.2 trillion. When she turned over the speaker’s gavel, the national debt stood at $31.5 trillion. In other words, about 80 percent of the debt accumulated in all of U.S. history was accrued since Pelosi ascended to a leadership position in Congress.

Nancy Pelosi’s Other Legacy: A Mountain of Debt for Our Children

When Pelosi became minority leader in 2003, the national debt stood at $6.2 trillion. When she turned over the speaker’s gavel, the national debt stood at $31.5 trillion. In other words, about 80 percent of the debt accumulated in all of U.S. history was accrued since Pelosi ascended to a...

fee.org

 

[dblack]

I find it's best I say nothing. I'm constantly hearing this woman at work who voted for Trump complain about him. But if I ask her about something he's done, she defends him. Better to let her think it out in her own head. When I say anything she goes into defensive mode.

This is where the mainstream media is killing us. .

 

[Papageorgio]

Posts that were spreading misinformation dangerous to the public's health.

They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.

Benjamin Franklin

 

[Eman623]

I find it's best I say nothing. I'm constantly hearing this woman at work who voted for Trump complain about him. But if I ask her about something he's done, she defends him. Better to let her think it out in her own head. When I say anything she goes into defensive mode.

Seems she doesn't want to admit to me she fucked up and voted for the wrong person.

I had the same things in opposite. A former manger used to trash talk Trump in meetings. As the sole Trump voter there i would hold my tongue as no good would come speaking up.

Not sure why you think/hope she will work it out in her own head and come to the obvious conclusion that she voted for the wrong person. Why do you care who she votes for? I don't care who that manger prefers. We got along very well as long as the topic wasn't politics.

Oh yeah I forgot. Orange Man Bad. Resist We Much.

 

[Papageorgio]

But that isn't what happened. Your phrasing suggests you are familiar with the kind of subtle propaganda Faux engages in.

I suggested no such thing, I am saying there is a danger of letting government decide what a lie is.

I don’t trust the government to act in our country’s best interests. Free speech is the back bone of this nation and I am not willing to give up my rights, why are you willing to give up your rights?