Growing up during Mao’s Cultural Revolution, I didn’t have free speech. I was afraid to speak up for fear of being reported to the authorities. Our family members whispered to each other so the neighbors could not hear us. China’s Communist Party controls free speech by censoring the press and internet, using Social Credit System to track and control people’s behaviors and social media posts, and silencing dissident voices.
I am very concerned that free speech has been under attack by our Government using Big Tech.
People have to speak freely in order to think freely, exchange ideas, communicate with each other, in order to get to the truth and offer solutions to the problems we face as a country. When others control your speech, they control your mind and thoughts, and keep you from finding the truth.
All governments, from the most benign and benevolant government to the most oppressive tyranny, do not see fit to limit themselves on speech. We are truly unique in America because our First Amendment right protects freedom of speech of individuals, especially speech we might not agree with. How else can truth to power be better excercised? It is essential to uphold freedom of speech for everyone because otherwise, any one of us could be silenced.
We need representatives in Congress who will support your Constitutional right to free speech. We need to follow the laws that protect your rights, whether in the physical or digital town square. The American people must never be censored. When in Congress, I will always fight for your right to speak freely and stop censorship.