The moment that lies are forbidden is the moment that someone needs to decide the difference between truth and falsehood. Is that a decree by the state? The re

The moment that lies are forbidden is the moment that someone needs to decide the difference between truth and falsehood. Is that a decree by the state? The result of an expensive and protracted legal process? Do we put it to a vote? Is there a Committee of Truth? A permit system? Digital signatures on all postings, with co-signees and chains of responsibility? Or do we just wind up with he usual weak and unevenly enforced rules, subject to bribery and political influence? Forbidding speech is a slippery and precipitous slope. A government that aims to protect its people from lies is well on the road to despotism.