Stick with me.
First, note the Uptown paper editorializing that mere speech could derail the wonderful promise of Obamacare:
Yet another problem looms – the political atmosphere. We saw name-calling – “Bolshevik,” “socialist dictator,” “Fascists” (sic) and “Nazis.” We saw blatant misrepresentation (“death panels,” “government takeover”) go unchallenged. Saturday, black members of Congress endured racial epithets and spitting from protesters. The racist cranks are just a small minority among bill opponents. But where were prominent Republican denunciations?
Some of the Republicans’ ideas would likely have been workable. But amid the smokescreen of “death panel” rhetoric, who could tell? … This must end. Americans are sick of angry insults and ridiculous accusations from both parties. We’re glad more health care will be available. And we know a place where a lot of healing is needed.
Also grok all the wiggle room already being built in for the inevitable failure to deliver on all the promises. “It will be years before we know whether the bill fulfills supporters’ hopes” and “Congress must enact necessary tax increases.” Republicans who think they can run against this monstrosity will find themselves punching ghosts.
Next, check out Glen Greenwald documenting Canada’s criminalization of political speech. In this case it is the University of Ottawa warning Ann Coulter that she could be prosecuted for violating hate speech codes with a university flunkie explaining in a letter to the columnist that the Canadian way is the better way:
Hopefully, you will understand and agree that what may, at first glance, seem like unnecessary restrictions to freedom of expression do, in fact, lead not only to a more civilized discussion, but to a more meaningful, reasoned and intelligent one as well.
Uh-huh. If you can’t see where the fascists are heading with this one, you are not paying attention.
Hat tip: Rev. Mike
