In a landmark pronouncement, a federal judge on Tuesday, July 4, dealt a significant blow to the Biden administration in favor of upholding the sacred principle of free speech. Judge Terry Doughty of Missouri initiated the issuance of a comprehensive 155-page injunction against the federal government for what he described as an “unprecedented” use of big tech in censoring the American citizenry. Marking a challenging chapter for the present administration, this order underscores one of the most intense affronts to free speech in the history of the United States.
In his resonant and substantial prose, Judge Doughty accused the federal government, and primarily certain defendants, of flagrant disregard for the constitutional right to free speech, a tenet firmly rooted in the ethos of American democracy. “In their attempts to suppress alleged disinformation, the Federal Government, and particularly the Defendants named here, are alleged to have blatantly ignored the First Amendment’s right to free speech,” Doughty openly stated. The case is indicative of the broader assault on our nation’s cherished, constitutionally protected liberties.
What is unique about this indictment is that it transcends political affiliations and ideologies. Though the censorship practices under the hammer were mostly directed towards conservative discourse, they raise issues that reverberate across the bipartisan divide. As per Judge Doughty, the potency of free speech extends far beyond party lines and political creeds. It is neither predisposed to any political faction nor does it propagate any political dogma.
In his in-depth argument, Judge Doughty highlighted how the first amendment seeks to protect an open marketplace of ideas where truth reigns ultimate. It does not serve to legitimize market monopoly, be it on behalf of the government or a private licensee. In assailing such censorship, the injunction breathes fresh air into the nation’s democratic principles, highlighting the importance of maintaining an open, transparent, and democratic discourse.
In a significant victory for the first amendment on Independence Day itself, the preliminary injunction stops the FBI, DOJ, DHS, and other agencies from collaborating with Big Tech to impose censorship on social media. A lawmaker who led the fight shared a statement on Twitter which succinctly captured the sentiment, proclaiming “Big win for the First Amendment on this Independence Day. I’m proud to have led the fight.”
🚨BREAKING: A Federal Judge in Missouri v. Biden just granted a preliminary injunction prohibiting the FBI, DOJ, DHS & other agencies from working with Big Tech to censor on social media
Big win for the First Amendment on this Independence Day🇺🇸
I’m proud to have led the fight. pic.twitter.com/59FzDVuI4f
— Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) July 4, 2023
This earth-shattering ruling sends a clear message to the Biden administration, and indeed all future administrations, that the Constitution’s protection of free speech will not be infringed upon without serious pushback from the judiciary branch of the government. The strength and conviction of Judge Doughty’s ruling serves as a reminder of the essential freedoms Americans hold dear, lest they be swept aside in the administration’s pursuit of combating alleged disinformation.
Karine Jean-Pierre openly admits the White House disagrees with a federal judge's decision to block the administration from working with Big Tech to infringe on Americans' First Amendment rights. pic.twitter.com/ppfcWoQ6JG
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) July 5, 2023
In conclusion, underlining the importance and role of free speech in a democratic society, the ruling provides a striking depiction of the continually evolving relationship between government, big tech, and First Amendment rights. It asserts that while the effort to suppress disinformation is a valuable endeavor, it should not come at the expense of constitutional liberties. This case can be seen as cautionary evocation to all federal administrations about the risks of overreach and the crucial importance of safeguarding the fundamental pillar of democracy, the right to free speech. As we move forward, it serves as a stark reminder of the task at hand and the price of liberty vigilance in preserving our democracy.
