Let's put aside for the moment conservative's conflation of free speech with the right of social media.......

[berg80]

Whether a given platform respects and/or accommodates that right is quite another discussion.

Social media platforms are not compelled by law to enforce 1st A rights.

 

[berg80]

I opposed social media platforms colluding with an administration to censor voices

You need to do some research on that.

Thread 'John Oliver eviscerates the phony outrage over the Hunter laptop story.'

Feb 25, 2025

The bulk of the episode focuses on Facebook and how Zuckerberg is bending company policy to trump's will. Paradoxically, the very thing the Right accused FB of doing when Biden was prez.

Because the laptop story is central to Right wing orthodoxy regarding the assertion the free speech of conservative's has been targeted, I took note when Oliver shredded it. Go to the 24 minute mark of the show. Or watch the whole thing, it's excellent. I enjoyed it immensely.


It's worth mentioning that when two states sued the federal government, alleging that government officials had...

• berg80
• Replies: 50
• Forum: Politics

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[hadit]

Social media platforms are not compelled by law to enforce 1st A rights.

Of course not. They do, however, rightly earn condemnation for colluding with an administration to censor inconvenient voices.

 

[Doc7505]

platforms to censor content according to established rules. Instead, let's talk about the affect trump is having on the expression of opinions critical of him through intimidation.

‘People Are Going Silent’: Fearing Retribution, Trump Critics Muzzle Themselves​

The silence grows louder every day.

Fired federal workers who are worried about losing their homes ask not to be quoted by name. University presidents fearing that millions of dollars in federal funding could disappear are holding their fire. Chief executives alarmed by tariffs that could hurt their businesses are on mute.

Even longtime Republican hawks on Capitol Hill, stunned by President Trump’s revisionist history that Ukraine is to blame for its invasion by Russia, and his Oval Office blowup at President Volodymyr Zelensky, have either muzzled themselves, tiptoed up to criticism without naming Mr. Trump or completely reversed their positions.

More than six weeks into the second Trump administration, there is a chill spreading over political debate in Washington and beyond.

People on both sides of the aisle who would normally be part of the public dialogue about the big issues of the day say they are intimidated by the prospect of online attacks from Mr. Trump and Elon Musk, concerned about harm to their companies and frightened for the safety of their families. Politicians fear banishment by a party remade in Mr. Trump’s image and the prospect of primary opponents financed by Mr. Musk, the president’s all-powerful partner and the world’s richest man.

‘People Are Going Silent’: Fearing Retribution, Trump Critics Muzzle Themselves

People say they are intimidated by online attacks from the president, concerned about harm to their businesses or worried about the safety of their families.

www.nytimes.com

Do trump supporters want to live in a country where critics of the regime are afraid to speak out? Wait........I think you do..........let me rephrase. Do trump supporters think it's right for critics of the regime to be afraid to speak out?

One prominent first-term critic of Mr. Trump said in a recent interview that not only would he not comment on the record, he did not want to be mentioned in this article at all. Every time his name appears in public, he said, the threats against him from the far right increase.

~~~~~~
Only those fear mongering Neo-Marxist Democrats that began the insipid kangaroo trials in 2020 against White conservatives, Christians, deliberate inflation and immigration crisis.

 

[Natural Citizen]

Social media platforms are not compelled by law to enforce 1st A rights.

Ha. I guess you're another who thinks they're gonna learn me something that they think I don't already know.

So long as you acknowledge it's the right to free speech, we're square, bro.

It's actually a rather interesting story the way that all went down with Madison being very strict about it being acknowledged/worded in that specific way. Which, I suppose, is off-topic.

 

[el midgetron]

These people are narcissistic retards.

 

[Rawley]

platforms to censor content according to established rules. Instead, let's talk about the affect trump is having on the expression of opinions critical of him through intimidation.

‘People Are Going Silent’: Fearing Retribution, Trump Critics Muzzle Themselves​

The silence grows louder every day.

Fired federal workers who are worried about losing their homes ask not to be quoted by name. University presidents fearing that millions of dollars in federal funding could disappear are holding their fire. Chief executives alarmed by tariffs that could hurt their businesses are on mute.

Even longtime Republican hawks on Capitol Hill, stunned by President Trump’s revisionist history that Ukraine is to blame for its invasion by Russia, and his Oval Office blowup at President Volodymyr Zelensky, have either muzzled themselves, tiptoed up to criticism without naming Mr. Trump or completely reversed their positions.

More than six weeks into the second Trump administration, there is a chill spreading over political debate in Washington and beyond.

People on both sides of the aisle who would normally be part of the public dialogue about the big issues of the day say they are intimidated by the prospect of online attacks from Mr. Trump and Elon Musk, concerned about harm to their companies and frightened for the safety of their families. Politicians fear banishment by a party remade in Mr. Trump’s image and the prospect of primary opponents financed by Mr. Musk, the president’s all-powerful partner and the world’s richest man.

‘People Are Going Silent’: Fearing Retribution, Trump Critics Muzzle Themselves

People say they are intimidated by online attacks from the president, concerned about harm to their businesses or worried about the safety of their families.

www.nytimes.com

Do trump supporters want to live in a country where critics of the regime are afraid to speak out? Wait........I think you do..........let me rephrase. Do trump supporters think it's right for critics of the regime to be afraid to speak out?

One prominent first-term critic of Mr. Trump said in a recent interview that not only would he not comment on the record, he did not want to be mentioned in this article at all. Every time his name appears in public, he said, the threats against him from the far right increase.

Really? The NYTimes actually printed this nonsense? The reason we're not hearing more criticism of the Trump administration is that people are afraid for the safety of their families? Good grief.

 

[struth]

Social media platforms are not compelled by law to enforce 1st A rights.

Nope, unless they are acting as agents of the state. When xiden and his demafacist threatened Facebook, that’s what crossed the line

 

[blackhawk]

 

[LordBrownTrout]

The comical thing, or it would be if it weren't so important, is trump's lie that he is restoring free speech even as he muzzles it. It's gaslighting pure and simple.

And Putin smiles.

But you're still on here blasting out your fake news and opinions. What gives?

 

[sparky]

Social media platforms are not compelled by law to enforce 1st A rights.

you're just figuring this out Berg?

~S~

 

[berg80]

Oh yeah! If there’s one thing we don’t have nearly enough of it is criticism of Trump in the media!

The purpose of the thread is to point out potential critics feel too intimidated to speak out due to fear of retribution. Got it?

 

[berg80]

you're just figuring this out Berg?

~S~

I've always known that's the case. Obviously many trumples do not.

 

[berg80]

But you're still on here blasting out your fake news and opinions. What gives?

I'm sorry to say you are too stupid to bother conversing with.

 

[berg80]

Following the historical template is working pretty well for him. Having infamous Mob lawyer Roy Cohn as an early mentor has certainly helped, too.

Threats, intimidation, coercion, revenge. Historical figures would be proud.

Cohn has had an enormous influence on trump. The "never give in, never admit a mistake, always be on the attack" mentality he utilizes comes from Roy.

 

[luiza]

Great watching Bugger86 and his dwindling band of fellow Troll Bots being beaten down and out by the people .
These Troll Bots are standing out like portions of pus on a ulcerated face .

Catch a Troll Bot folks , dab it with iodine and watch it dance .

.

 

[Nobody911]

Suggestions for Dealing with Trump Retribution

Dealing with the potential for retribution from Trump or his supporters can be challenging. Here are some strategies that individuals and critics might consider:

1. Build a Support Network: Forming alliances with like-minded individuals can provide emotional and practical support. This network can help share experiences, offer advice, and create a sense of community among those who feel threatened.

2. Document Everything: Keeping detailed records of any harassment or intimidation can be crucial. This documentation can serve as evidence if legal action becomes necessary or if one needs to report incidents to authorities. ( including this website )

3. Engage in Legal Preparedness: Consulting with legal professionals about potential risks and understanding one's rights can empower critics. Being informed about legal protections can help mitigate fears of retribution.

4. Utilize Humor and Resilience: Some critics have adopted dark humor as a coping mechanism. This approach can help alleviate anxiety and foster resilience in the face of intimidation, making it easier to navigate challenging situations .

5. Focus on Success as a Form of Retribution: As Trump himself has suggested, success can be a powerful form of retribution. Critics can channel their energy into achieving personal and professional goals, demonstrating that they will not be silenced by fear .

6. Stay Informed and Engaged: Keeping abreast of political developments and participating in civic activities can empower individuals. Engaging in discussions, advocacy, or community organizing can help counter feelings of helplessness.

By employing these strategies, individuals can better navigate the challenges posed by the potential for retribution while maintaining their voices and standing up for their beliefs.

 

[berg80]

Of course not. They do, however, rightly earn condemnation for colluding with an administration to censor inconvenient voices.

See post #22.

 

[BackAgain]

"What we have heah,... failure to communicate."
Posting on social media sounds like fun, until the wolves come for you. Why risk it?

Right. So walk away.

 

[Seymour Flops]

The purpose of the thread is to point out potential critics feel too intimidated to speak out due to fear of retribution. Got it?

Yes, and in my snarky and sarcastic - and very witty - way, I’m pointing out that if any potential critics are really wetting the bed about retribution for criticizing Trump, they merely need to watch watch the news or check out social media to see that there is no retribution.

For one thing, the retributionists would be so busy it would like be like playing whack-a-mole.

If there were such intimidated people people. But that’s only in your imagination. In real life, people in the media take turns criticizing Trump and praising each other for criticizing Trump.