The Hill Discovers Threat to Free Speech (Finally)
The Hill , a bastion of Washington's political commentary, is suddenly alarmed that Donald Trump threatens free speech by 'outlawing the opposition.' This acute concern (from a publication that consistently amplified hawkish narratives and dismissed critiques of endless wars as fringe) rings a tad hollow. While Trump’s rhetoric is indeed often repugnant, let's recall the systemic efforts to
de-platform and de-legitimize critics of, say, Israeli policy in Gaza, or the Iraq War. These were not just ‘egregious attacks’ but often successful campaigns. Where was The Hill’s impassioned defense of 'political free speech' when activists had their protests branded as antisemitic for criticizing Benjamin Netanyahu's government, or when politicians like Ilhan Omar faced relentless smearing for
questioning AIPAC's influence (which, by the way, has spent over $10 million in lobbying this cycle alone)? The double standard is stark: free speech is paramount, unless it makes certain powerful donors or foreign interests uncomfortable. Then it becomes a 'dangerous ideology.'