In a stunning departure from the principles that have long underpinned American democracy, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) has declared that the First Amendment’s guarantee of free speech is not absolute.
In a recent interview with MSNBC’s The ReidOut, Walz asserted that “there’s no guarantee to free speech on misinformation or hate speech, especially around our democracy.” This alarming statement has sent shockwaves through the conservative community, who view the freedom of expression as a cornerstone of a free and open society.
Walz’s remarks come as he has championed efforts to “make it as easy as possible to vote” in Minnesota, including policies such as automatic voter registration and the printing of ballots in multiple languages. However, the governor has also vowed to crack down on “voter intimidation,” and it was in this context that he claimed the First Amendment is not absolute.
The governor’s stance echoes similar sentiments expressed by President Joe Biden, who has previously stated that “no right is absolute.” This position has raised concerns among those who see the First Amendment as a crucial safeguard against government overreach and the suppression of dissenting views.
Walz’s assertion that “misinformation” and “hate speech” are not protected by the First Amendment is particularly troubling, as these terms are often used subjectively to silence opposing voices. The prosecution of individuals like Douglass Mackey, who was convicted for posting a meme about voting, serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of such a broad interpretation of “misinformation.”
As the 2024 election season approaches, Walz’s stance on free speech is sure to be a point of contention and a cause for concern among conservative voters in Minnesota and beyond. The fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution must be vigilantly defended, lest they be eroded by those who seek to control the flow of information and ideas.
