In his second inaugural address, the former president signed an executive order aimed at stopping government censorship and restoring free speech, framing it as a response to previous federal overreach. The order emphasized the right to free expression without government interference and condemned government censorship. However, this action appears hypocritical as numerous examples contradict the order, including instances of a federal agency pushing a comedian off the air and government officials threatening repercussions for speech deemed objectionable, suggesting an actual curtailment of free speech. The examples reveal a concerning pattern of restricting expression that conflicts directly with the stated policy.
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A recent AP-NORC poll reveals a significant shift in Republican sentiment, with over half now believing the country is on the wrong track. This marks a considerable increase since March, coupled with a decline in the number of Republicans who feel the country is heading in the right direction. Notably, Republican women and younger voters are more likely to express this negative outlook. Despite general approval for Trump’s handling of certain issues, a majority of adults believe he has overstepped on tariffs and the use of presidential power, reflecting growing concerns about the nation’s political discourse and the potential for social unrest.
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Freedom of speech, a cornerstone of American values, faces ongoing challenges, as seen with historical instances of suppression. Following the September 11th attacks, President George W. Bush faced criticism, leading to a chilling effect on free speech. More recently, a contemporary administration threatened an ABC late-night host, prompting swift action from the network’s parent company. This situation highlights the exploitation of a tragedy to suppress critical speech, with federal officials using their positions to silence dissent and punish perceived enemies. The current political climate demands calls for accountability, including the impeachment of those abusing federal power to stifle free expression, as these actions represent a direct violation of constitutional rights.
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Lithuania has fully disconnected from the Russian grid by dismantling all power lines connecting it to the Kaliningrad region, a move reported on September 18. This completed dismantling process, which began in February, reinforces Lithuania’s energy independence and integration into Europe’s power system. Six overhead transmission lines were removed, and similar operations are underway on the border with Belarus, with plans to completely dismantle all connections by mid-2027. Concurrently, Lithuania has fortified its borders with Russia and Belarus by installing concrete anti-tank obstacles.
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Former vice presidential candidate Tim Walz criticized Donald Trump’s actions, comparing them to North Korea’s approach to free speech. He made these comments during an appearance on MSNBC, referencing ABC’s decision to pull “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” following pressure from the administration. Walz condemned Trump’s actions, which he sees as an attack on democracy, and mentioned specific instances, including the murder of a Minnesota House Representative and comments made on Fox News. Walz emphasized the importance of defending democracy, particularly in light of Trump’s alleged restrictions on free speech and criticism.
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Trump’s war against late-night talk shows is escalating, with ABC pulling Jimmy Kimmel’s show off the air indefinitely following Kimmel’s criticism of right-wing reactions to an assassination. The decision, influenced by threats from the Federal Communications Commission chairman, Brendan Carr, and potential regulatory repercussions, highlights corporate cowardice. This event is a part of a broader attack on free speech and the fear of financial harm stemming from Trump’s potential retaliation. The author posits that this repression extends beyond late-night shows and calls for opposition to defend free speech.
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Following Carr’s remarks, Nexstar, a major ABC station owner, swiftly canceled *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*, echoing Paramount’s earlier cancellation of Stephen Colbert. This occurred as Nexstar sought FCC approval for a significant acquisition. Carr then speculated that *The View* could be the next target, questioning its status as a “bona fide news show” and whether it should be subject to equal time rules, suggesting the FCC review its classification.
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Following the suspension of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* due to the host’s remarks regarding the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Disney streaming service subscribers are canceling their subscriptions. The show’s indefinite suspension came after complaints from FCC chair Brendan Carr, who accused Kimmel of misleading the public. This decision has sparked widespread outrage, with many users expressing their dissatisfaction on social media and some even protesting outside Disney studios. Reactions to the suspension vary across the political spectrum, with both condemnation and praise, while the future of Kimmel’s show remains uncertain.
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The Associated Press is a globally recognized, independent news organization committed to factual reporting, tracing its roots back to 1846. AP consistently upholds its reputation as a reliable source for fast, accurate, and unbiased news in various formats. It provides critical technology and services to the news industry, reaching over half the world’s population daily. Therefore, the AP maintains its position as a cornerstone of global news dissemination.
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In response to Jimmy Kimmel’s show being suspended, Fox News host Brian Kilmeade discussed the situation on “The Ingraham Angle.” Kilmeade noted that Kimmel’s comments about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk were deemed “too far” by television executives, leading to the show’s preemption. This commentary followed Kilmeade’s own recent controversy, where he suggested “lethal injection” for individuals with mental illness who refuse assistance, sparking significant backlash and calls for his termination. The show’s suspension came after Kimmel’s remarks about the suspect in Kirk’s killing, which were described as “offensive and insensitive.”
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John Q. Hosedrinker