Judge: “A most massive attack against free speech in United States’ history”

“A most massive attack against free speech in United States’ history,” declared federal Judge Terry Doughty on July 4, condemning the Biden censorship regime. In a recent ruling, Judge Doughty has temporarily banned several U.S. government officials and agencies from contacting social media companies regarding the moderation of posts protected by the First Amendment. This decision stems from a lawsuit filed by the attorneys general of Louisiana and Missouri, who accuse federal officials of suppressing conservative viewpoints, thereby violating free speech rights.

“The Plaintiffs are likely to succeed on the merits in establishing that the Government has used its power to silence the opposition,” wrote Judge Doughty in his 155-page memorandum ruling. “Opposition to COVID-19 vaccines; opposition to COVID-19 masking and lockdowns; opposition to the lab-leak theory of COVID-19; opposition to the validity of the 2020 election; opposition to President Biden’s policies; statements that the Hunter Biden laptop story was true; and opposition to policies of the government officials in power. All were suppressed. It is quite telling that each example or category of suppressed speech was conservative in nature. This targeted suppression of conservative ideas is a perfect example of viewpoint discrimination of political speech.”

The Biden administration has been accused of pressuring social media platforms to censor content related to climate change, gender discussions, abortion, economic policy, and COVID-19. The defendants argue that they only made requests for content moderation without exerting undue pressure or issuing threats. However, Judge Doughty finds it significant that the suppressed speech predominantly had conservative leanings.

“Our consistent view remains that social media platforms have a critical responsibility to take account of the effects their platforms are having on the American people, but make independent choices about the information they present,” stated an unnamed White House official. The Justice Department is reviewing the ruling while evaluating its next steps.

The issue of misinformation and free speech has become increasingly complex. Scientific evidence supports the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, the effectiveness of masking and lockdowns in curbing the spread of the virus, and the lack of evidence for the 2020 election being rigged. However, these subjects have become central to many conservative political campaigns, making it challenging to address the spread of actively harmful mis- and disinformation. The sweeping injunction granted by Judge Doughty limits the ability of government officials to contact social media companies regarding protected speech, except for specific matters such as criminal activity, national security threats, public safety, and foreign election interference.

In the words of Benjamin Franklin, a staunch advocate for freedom, “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” Free speech, the cornerstone of liberty, stands as the most crucial of all freedoms. And in the recent legal proceedings, a resounding victory for this fundamental right has been achieved.

The government, with its assertions of possessing the ultimate “truth,” attempted to dismiss any opposing viewpoints as not just incorrect but as deliberately harmful to the nation. However, these so-called “truths” were nothing more than political opinions crafted to safeguard the interests of those in power. Such an approach is fundamentally flawed and contradicts the very principles upon which our nation was founded.

But now, a battle for freedom has been won. The court has intervened to protect the rights of individuals to express their thoughts and opinions without fear of censorship or suppression. This victory serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of liberty that runs through the veins of our society.