Posted on 11/21/2022 2:17:08 AM PST by fruser1
Billionaire Musk, who now owns the tech giant, made the comment after asking users what Twitter should do next. When one suggested bringing back Jones, Musk replied simply: 'No.'
Jones, who famously denied the Sandy Hook mass shooting took place, said in a video he did not blame Musk for not allowing him back - and described himself as 'the most controversial figure in the world'.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
Wise, I think. A.J. has been convicted in court of doing what he always did, which is generating egregious Bravo Sierra that aggrandizes himself at our expense. I may be politically to the right of Attila the Hun, but I’m not crazy. He is.
I am certainly not saying that Alex Jones is a propagandist, but that Musk is trying to identify that fine line beyond which free speech might be damaged. Alex Jones is a person who revels in conspiracy theories (whether they are correct or not) and that is why he finds himself on the other side of the line.
Alex does not have $1.5B, Elon does.
Jones just got sued for millions. Musk is simply limiting his liability.
And who decides what is just propaganda or conspiracy theory?
Don’t you trust people to make up their own minds?
That said, Jones may be crazy like a fox. He has built a career by giving vent to outrageous theories. Can't fault him for that. But I wouldn't want to watch a purported "fair and balanced" news show with him as an opinion journalist (though I might check in with his own specialized opinion show from time to time just to see what he has to say).
And if Jones had been censored, the civil suits would have no evidence.
Platforms are not liable for others opinions. The liability generally concerns copyright infringement.
I am generally one who likes to admit all comers, regardless of their opinions...and let the best ideas win.
But I have changed my mind (recently) on Twitter a little bit.
As to whom decides whether it is propaganda or conspiracy theory on Twitter, I think it has to be Musk himself so that only one person can be held responsible.
As you say, I do trust people to make up their own minds. That's the only way.
That said, I think Musk is worried--initially at least--about the system getting clogged up and overwhelmed with propaganda and conspiracy theories to such an extent that real free speech cannot find a space.
As said above, I am trying to feel my way through this issue carefully and am open to a change of mind as the new Twitter progresses.
I also think Musk refused to reinstate Jones as a signal to potential users who were (perhaps unjustifiably) concerned about differing opinions being inflammatory. Our country right now is a tinder box of vastly different ideas (those on the Left being absolutely frikken insane). But somehow Musk has to entice people of all opinions to meet up for a discussion.
Here's a nice example - I see in the Daily Mail today this article:
Which is a story how the grandfather of the guy that went nuts on the gay bar is a MAGA guy.
So the author apparently intends to stain that movement with the rampage.
Should this be censored because of its prima facie stupidity, or should I have the opportunity to easily refute the headline by saying "They had to go back to the grandparent? So I guess his parents are Biden supporters."
My comment is about Twitter.
Musk went in and obliterated the superstructure that had been built on Twitter's foundation. Now he has to rebuild a new one devoted to "free speech."
This isn't as easy as throwing open the doors and allowing a wild West environment to develop (that is, if he wants Twitter to survive). Initially, at least, the new Twitter needs a sheriff...or at least that is the thinking so far.
Alex Jones decided for himself when he accused the parents, as a matter of fact, that they were in on the slaughter of their own children.
He should have been mindful that there were people who made a point of recording his show for the purpose of the one statement that he might make that that would fit the legal standard of slander.
Free speech in public is a much different subject than free speech on an internet forum.
Jim Robinson & crew set the limits on FR. Elon Musk sets the limits on Twitter. It’s that simple.
No one has a right to say what they wish without consequence. No one is guaranteed a platform for public speech.
Free Republic is not a free speech platform.
Gab IS a free speech platform.
Compare and contrast the content of those two forums.
“Same as the old boss.”
The “old boss” reinstated hundreds of folks including President Trump too? Who knew? Yep, “same as the old boss.”
I’m not crazy. He is.
Speaking of BS.
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