Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk may have started something — intentionally or not — that is long overdue. His pledge to assist those wronged simply for exercising free speech on social media appeared to be the opening shot across the bow against cancel culture.
The owner of X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, announced his intention late on Saturday to provide sweeping legal help.
This is available, with “no limits,” to those who have lost jobs or otherwise suffered at work for acts so small as “liking” a post or following a conservative account.
Far too many Americans are not free to do simple things on social media without facing devastating backlash from employers. The government clearly will not intervene, but perhaps Musk’s vow is a start.
Musk’s Saturday announcement appeared to coincide with news that a NASCAR driver was suspended indefinitely for liking a meme concerning George Floyd.
Elon Musk says Twitter will pay legal fees for people canceled for likes, posts https://t.co/m4Bn5mfHau
— Bo Snerdley (@BoSnerdley) August 7, 2023
The businessman was clear in his posting. Musk stated, “If you were unfairly treated by your employer due to posting or liking something on this platform, we will fund your legal bill. No limit. Please let us know.”
He further pledged to apply pressure to leaders of companies engaged in cancel culture.
And despite the organized efforts of those who wish to cancel Musk, his X platform reached an all-time record of 540 million users last month.
The owner said in July that X’s cash flow is down almost 50% due to a drop in advertising dollars and heavy debt. He made the switch from Twitter’s blue bird after 17 years of symbolizing the platform.
X users posted their support for the owner’s latest stand. One noted that nothing gets the attention of Americans faster than the “threat of legal action.”
Whether Musk’s declaration is a turning point remains to be seen. But there are far too many instances where those victimized by overbearing employers do not have the financial capability to fight back.
If these people, whose only crime is exercising free speech, are enabled to stand for themselves, it will go far toward ensuring that First Amendment rights are respected. Blanket censorship by the left is a disease, and Musk appeared to offer at least part of the cure.
