By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Senator Rand Paul suggested a crackdown on individuals, asserting that the right to free speech isn’t absolute due to morals or conduct clauses in contracts. This call to action, juxtaposed with the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, has spurred an ironic shift among right-wing figures, who are now attacking free speech and civil liberties. Leading figures like JD Vance and others are engaging in doxing campaigns and advocating for consequences for those expressing dissenting opinions. These actions highlight a stark hypocrisy, particularly given the past criticisms of others policing speech.
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“Libertarian” Rand Paul Says You Don’t Have a Right to Free Speech… well, hold on a sec. Seems like we’re having a bit of a disagreement with a US Senator who apparently forgot the basics. It all starts with the First Amendment, right there in the Bill of Rights. It says, plain as day, that Congress can’t make any laws that limit free speech. Now, the issue isn’t just that he’s seemingly contradicting the Constitution, but what that says about the ideals he’s supposed to uphold.
The situation that brought this into the spotlight was when Rand Paul’s mother was threatened for simply stating slavery was not enjoyable for the enslaved people. This act led to thousands of death threats. This is not an isolated incident, and frankly, it’s hypocritical, especially coming from someone who often throws around the word “libertarian.” The whole thing gives off the impression that “libertarian” often translates into “authoritarian,” especially on the right. It’s a fundamental misunderstanding of the very document he swore to uphold.
The whole point here is, whether you like it or not, we do have the right to free speech, protected by the Constitution. And that right comes before the Second Amendment, which makes the whole argument of someone who wants to deny the right to free speech a weird and ironic situation.
The problem, as it seems, lies in how these principles are applied. When it’s convenient, “free speech” becomes the battle cry, but when it’s something they disagree with or is detrimental to them they backpedal. This double standard, and this idea is what makes a lot of these arguments sound insincere. The hypocrisy really comes into play when these same people are quick to defend certain speech but then turn around and try to silence others.
Let’s be clear: Free speech doesn’t mean freedom from consequences. You can’t just say anything without repercussions. There are exceptions and legal limits, as the Supreme Court has recognized. Speech that incites violence, makes true threats, or constitutes defamation is not protected.
It’s like the people in power are trying to change the rules of the game. They’re using their position to punish anyone who opposes them while ignoring the consequences when they do it. This is not the way democracy works, and it’s a worrying trend. They seem to be fighting to take away people’s rights.
Then there is the idea of “free speech absolutists,” but who’s the ones who are backing down now? It’s always “We disagree with what you have to say, but we’ll defend your right to say it!” until it’s not. It’s also worth noting the double standards applied to what constitutes acceptable speech.
You have to also consider the context of the argument. Many people are worried about being punished for what they say. It seems like a new era where they’re getting fired for expressing their views, but the right is able to say what they want without any consequences. Where’s the outrage when the right does it?
It’s also important to remember that free speech isn’t just about what you can say without fear of jail time. It’s about the ability to speak your mind, to criticize, and to challenge power. Take that away, and you’re chipping away at democracy.
In conclusion, It’s a simple matter of respecting the law, not trying to rewrite it for political gain. Rand Paul, and anyone else who is trying to ignore the First Amendment has to be held to the same standard as everyone else.