Three statements by former Canadian Prime Minister John Diefenbaker made more than half-a-century ago, underline why the freedom of speech is so critical, now as then. 1st, "The reading of history proves that freedom always dies when criticism ends.", 2nd, "Freedom is the right to be wrong, not the right to do wrong.", and 3rd. "Freedom includes the right to say what others may object to and resent... The essence of citizenship is to be tolerant of strong and provocative words." Pre-war Germany might be a good model for what happens when good people see what is going wrong with their society, but are frightened into silence by threats to their lives and livelihoods.
Dave HallJuly 31, 2020
(Not sure why you're not posting my perfectly good comment. Here it is, basically again. Do you only post complimentary comments? I think it would be good for people to think about this, that maybe this prophecy is being fulfilled. It's actually a comforting thought when we see prophecy fulfilled.)
It looks to me like John the Revelator prophesied about the cancel culture in Rev. 13:16-17:
“And he causeth ... that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”
This is exactly what is going on. They're saying that unless you go along with their agenda, they're going to have you fired or boycotted.
Cyndi H.July 31, 2020
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the cancel culture, which is happening all around us right now. Those that speak up are silenced and discredited, and others who would like to speak up are afraid of the same repercussions, so are silenced in fear.
Dave HallJuly 30, 2020
I believe this was prophesied by John the Revelator in Rev. 13:16-17 where he wrote:
“And he causeth ... that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” Having the mark of the beast seems here to be a metaphor for those who are promoting the interests of the beast.
GardenickJuly 30, 2020
Interesting article. It certainly gives some things to be more aware of.
Janet KuesterJuly 29, 2020
Thank you for your thoughtful, clear, and very thought provoking, if not chilling article. I agree with the signatories of said letter as well as with the famous Philippine journalist Maria Ressa, "what we do at THIS moment in time matters. It will determine the kind of world we will live in It is an existential moment for journalism; an existential moment for democracy.The evidence is in front of us. It is time to act."
https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/editorial/opinion--maria-ressa-facebook-must-do-more-to-stop-the-weaponization-of-social-media/2019/10/25/be7f145d-37be-40fd-bc10-b34939521ef2_video.html
ShaunaJuly 29, 2020
Absolutely there's a "cancel" culture--I feel it everywhere I go and in an online neighborhood website--where for instance, people were harassed if they posted any kind of support for police officers, during the protests. I am sometimes hesitant to speak about my faith because God and religion are so taboo these days. It smacks of McCarthyism to me--political correctness is a club that is used to beat people into submission. And I was especially dumbfounded and sad when a 21 yr old female posted on the website that she had moved here recently and was looking for friends--but only BLM and LGBT friendly people need reply. So now even friendhsips are based on politics? And yet is someone had posted, only people of faith and college educated (or whatever other groups) need apply--I can only imagine the backlash
Michael Shea, MDJuly 29, 2020
The problem is that the media have made it possible for anyone and everyone to speak so loudly that the noise is intolerable. I’m so tired of “activists” that I could vomit blood. I have found there are far more noisemakers than thinkers in the world.
David Clarke PrudenJuly 29, 2020
This is an excellent article and "dead on" target. Thanks to Public Square and all you do!
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Bruce WilliamsonAugust 1, 2020
Three statements by former Canadian Prime Minister John Diefenbaker made more than half-a-century ago, underline why the freedom of speech is so critical, now as then. 1st, "The reading of history proves that freedom always dies when criticism ends.", 2nd, "Freedom is the right to be wrong, not the right to do wrong.", and 3rd. "Freedom includes the right to say what others may object to and resent... The essence of citizenship is to be tolerant of strong and provocative words." Pre-war Germany might be a good model for what happens when good people see what is going wrong with their society, but are frightened into silence by threats to their lives and livelihoods.
Dave HallJuly 31, 2020
(Not sure why you're not posting my perfectly good comment. Here it is, basically again. Do you only post complimentary comments? I think it would be good for people to think about this, that maybe this prophecy is being fulfilled. It's actually a comforting thought when we see prophecy fulfilled.) It looks to me like John the Revelator prophesied about the cancel culture in Rev. 13:16-17: “And he causeth ... that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” This is exactly what is going on. They're saying that unless you go along with their agenda, they're going to have you fired or boycotted.
Cyndi H.July 31, 2020
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the cancel culture, which is happening all around us right now. Those that speak up are silenced and discredited, and others who would like to speak up are afraid of the same repercussions, so are silenced in fear.
Dave HallJuly 30, 2020
I believe this was prophesied by John the Revelator in Rev. 13:16-17 where he wrote: “And he causeth ... that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” Having the mark of the beast seems here to be a metaphor for those who are promoting the interests of the beast.
GardenickJuly 30, 2020
Interesting article. It certainly gives some things to be more aware of.
Janet KuesterJuly 29, 2020
Thank you for your thoughtful, clear, and very thought provoking, if not chilling article. I agree with the signatories of said letter as well as with the famous Philippine journalist Maria Ressa, "what we do at THIS moment in time matters. It will determine the kind of world we will live in It is an existential moment for journalism; an existential moment for democracy.The evidence is in front of us. It is time to act." https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/editorial/opinion--maria-ressa-facebook-must-do-more-to-stop-the-weaponization-of-social-media/2019/10/25/be7f145d-37be-40fd-bc10-b34939521ef2_video.html
ShaunaJuly 29, 2020
Absolutely there's a "cancel" culture--I feel it everywhere I go and in an online neighborhood website--where for instance, people were harassed if they posted any kind of support for police officers, during the protests. I am sometimes hesitant to speak about my faith because God and religion are so taboo these days. It smacks of McCarthyism to me--political correctness is a club that is used to beat people into submission. And I was especially dumbfounded and sad when a 21 yr old female posted on the website that she had moved here recently and was looking for friends--but only BLM and LGBT friendly people need reply. So now even friendhsips are based on politics? And yet is someone had posted, only people of faith and college educated (or whatever other groups) need apply--I can only imagine the backlash
Michael Shea, MDJuly 29, 2020
The problem is that the media have made it possible for anyone and everyone to speak so loudly that the noise is intolerable. I’m so tired of “activists” that I could vomit blood. I have found there are far more noisemakers than thinkers in the world.
David Clarke PrudenJuly 29, 2020
This is an excellent article and "dead on" target. Thanks to Public Square and all you do!
Londa HeatonJuly 29, 2020
Thank you very much!
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