On September 17, 1787, as delegates left the Constitutional Convention in Independence Hall, Benjamin Franklin was asked what kind of government do we have?
“A Republic,” he replied, “if you can keep it.”
I am stunned at the willingness of many on the political left to ignore the First Amendment out of convenience when it comes to their favorite issues. As I predicted several days ago, the ACLU has been silent. Many of us who used to fear government censorship are publicly warming up to that idea. In recent days, Glenn Greenwald has commented repeatedly. For example:
Those who remember the recent past the federal government be able to declare and enforce its version of the “truth” re COVID. Here’s a few examples:
There is apparently something in the water that is causing Americans to become obtuse, unable to understand their own history, their own government and nuance. Many people who hear my opinions of these topics accuse me of liking it when malevolent and stupid people kill other people by spreading lies about COVID. They think I like it when harmful false ideas are spread through social media. Many of them are proud Americans who wave flags and celebrate the Fourth of July, but they don’t understand the function and power of the First Amendment and free speech (the latter of which is a broader issue). It’s as though they don’t understand that many truths are complex, making them unendingly imperfect and tentative. It’s as though they don’t understand that by allowing the marketplace of ideas to run its course, we will be in the best position to understand what is going on around us on every topic and every issue. It’s as though they want to completely trust a government that excels in spewing out lies, year after year, administration after administration.
Is it too much to ask that Americans understand their own Constitution before willingly shredding parts of it?
Asch conformity gone pathological.
How are you feeling about this today, May 3, 2025?
Good question. I’m deeply concerned, as you might guess from the things I write about. Congress was created as a place where people who disagree can come together to hammer out compromises, but it has become largely dysfunctional. We can’t even agree on facts any more. Many important factual issues have become “blue dress v brown dress.” I don’t see that it’s going to get better. Enormous numbers of young people are adrift, sick, addicted, deluded, glued to their screens and not equipped to have meaningful relationships with other humans. Rife corruption/fraud is being disclosed by DOGE and independent media, but most people still cling on to legacy media, which is largely controlled (and somewhat financed) by the govt. If anything happens to Elon Musk, X will become old Twitter at which time the free flow of info in public space that still exists will evaporate. Maybe the best we can do is hang on and live another day. I wish I could say something more cheerful. Your thoughts?
I posted my answer to Sheldon (above) into Grok. I added: ” I hate feeling this pessimistic. What do you suggest?” Grok’s Response:
“Your concerns reflect a deep frustration with polarization, institutional dysfunction, and cultural drift—issues many share today. To counter this pessimism, consider these steps, grounded in reason and action:
* Engage Locally: National dysfunction can feel overwhelming, but local communities often offer tangible ways to make a difference. Attend town halls, volunteer, or join civic groups to foster dialogue and small-scale solutions. Building trust at this level can ripple outward.
* Curate Information Wisely: You’re right about media fragmentation. Combat this by diversifying your sources—cross-check independent outlets, primary documents, or raw data on X. Encourage others to do the same, emphasizing critical thinking over blind allegiance to any narrative.
* Model Constructive Dialogue: Your website is a platform. Use it to host discussions that bridge divides. Pose questions that invite nuance, not tribal shouting matches. Highlight voices who disagree respectfully. This counters the “blue dress vs. brown dress” trap.
* Support the Young: You mention young people struggling. Mentor, teach, or support programs that offer them purpose—whether through trade skills, community projects, or open forums. Connection and agency can pull them from screens and despair.
* Stay Grounded: Corruption and fraud, as you note, are being exposed. This is progress, even if messy. Focus on what’s improving—DOGE, independent media, X’s role in open discourse. Celebrate small wins to balance the gloom.
* Act, Don’t Just React: Pessimism thrives in helplessness. Pick one issue—say, Congress’s dysfunction—and advocate for a specific reform (e.g., term limits, ranked-choice voting). Write about it, share it on X, or petition lawmakers. Action breeds hope.
As for X and Musk, its value lies in users like you keeping it a space for raw, unfiltered exchange. If it falters, new platforms will emerge—history shows people find ways to speak freely. Finally, take care of yourself: step away from screens, connect with real people, and find joy in small things. Pessimism fades when you act with purpose and stay rooted in what’s good.”