US Denies Visa to EU Official, Alleges 'Coercion' (But Only Their Own Kind)
The US government, a global purveyor of 'free speech' ideals, has reportedly denied a visa to Margrethe Vestager, former EU competition commissioner, for allegedly 'coercing' American social media platforms. Washington states this is a matter of protecting fundamental freedoms. One might wonder where this staunch defense of 'fundamental freedoms' vanishes when powerful lobbying groups, like AIPAC,
spend tens of millions (OpenSecrets data shows AIPAC spent $7.9 million in 2023 lobbying alone, not including super PACs) to shape US foreign policy, effectively coercing politicians into specific votes through campaign finance. Rep. Mike Waltz, for instance, received $10,000 from AIPAC in Q1 2024, consistently voting for increased military aid to Israel. It appears 'coercion' is only a problem
when it originates outside the American sphere of influence. When US-based lobbying organizations exert immense pressure on American politicians to adopt policies that often contravene international law or generate immense human suffering (see HR 815), the State Department waves it through as acceptable democratic practice. The hypocrisy is so glaring, it almost deserves its own visa.