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> The new technocrats are ostentatious in their use of language that appeals to Enlightenment values—reason, progress, freedom—but in fact they are leading an a
by ryandv 3y ago
> The new technocrats are ostentatious in their use of language that appeals to Enlightenment values—reason, progress, freedom—but in fact they are leading an antidemocratic, illiberal movement. Many of them profess unconditional support for free speech, but are vindictive toward those who say things that do not flatter them.
I am ecstatic that people are catching on to this ridiculous language game in which empty PR words and marketing copy are somehow confused with reality itself. The Ministry of Liberalism is anything but; just ask their colleagues at the Ministry of Truth and the Ministry of Peace.
- dahart 3y agoIsn’t that quote deeply confused about what “free speech” means? Free speech does not mean you can say unflattering things and avoid any push-back or social consequences. Think about it: if you say something mean to someone and they can’t say something mean back, then their freedom is limited. Furthermore, free speech isn’t absolute, and libel, slander, fighting words, and untrue statements all aren’t protected by free speech laws in the US. Vindictive responses to exaggeration or lies are not subject to freedom of speech law. They certainly could be illegal for other reasons. “Freedom of speech is usually seen as a negative right.[24] This means that the government is legally obliged to take no action against the speaker based on the speaker's views, but that no one is obliged to help any speakers publish their views, and no one is required to listen to, agree with, or acknowledge the speaker or the speaker's views.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_speech#As_a_negative_right https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_speech#As_a_negativ...
- deleted 3y ago[deleted]