Dangerous developments when it comes to freedom of thought and expression are afoot. When a restriction on these freedoms means an increase in government control, all liberal-minded people should be concerned.
Earlier this month, the National School Board Assn. suggested in a letter to President Biden that behavior in line with domestic terrorism and hate crimes is happening at school board meetings. The Dept. of Justice, just days later, announced the creation of a task force to address “this disturbing trend.”
The association’s letter cites incendiary language, death threats and cyberbullying, in reality all hallmarks of any job in the public eye. Only one example of physical violence is cited. Yet a cross-agency task force must be formed immediately?
Then we have Axios reporting that Google and Facebook will not accept ads from any entity deemed “climate denialist,” though what qualifies as climate denialism is as broad as it is vague (“denying well-established scientific consensus around the existence and causes of climate change”).
For months now, people questioning vaccines have been cited by social media as “anti-science” and in some cases deplatformed. Ironically, some of the “anti-science” positions are policy in Europe, such as Scandinavian countries limiting the use of Moderna in young men due to adverse reactions, or natural immunity being accepted in lieu of vaccination. Is Europe anti-science?
Is there anything more unscientific than preventing debate? Science — and human knowledge — can only progress when the establishment allows new ideas to be introduced and tested.
As a newspaper publisher, I strongly believe in accurate reporting and bemoan the inferior and sometimes unhinged “information” promulgated on social media — which, incidentally, are protected from regulatory laws that govern traditional media.
But I’m also concerned by the policing of discourse. Diversity of thought and opinion is necessary for a free, multicultural society to thrive.
Back to the school boards: In no way do I support the intimidation or harassment of school board members, or anyone in society. Based on what I’ve seen in Colorado, there has been a rise in heated emotion at meetings. I have no doubt that some parents (and board members) have crossed a line.
But “domestic terrorism” and “hate crimes”?
Are school board member now a protected class?
Prosecute offenders under existing harassment laws, but to label them as “terrorists” divulges more sinister goals: to stifle speech and block opposition.
This is something a liberal democracy should never allow.
Shana Goldberg may be reached at [email protected].
Copyright © 2021 by the Intermountain Jewish News
