Lawyer and Free Speech Campaigner Harvey SilverglateLawyer and Free Speech Campaigner Harvey Silverglate
Trish Wood is Critical
The assault on freedom of speech is ramping up to levels not seen since the dark days of the McCarthy hearings when innocent people were forced to defend themselves against crimes manufactured by a fear mongering Senator. Lists were made, people...
1:23:36•27 Jan 2021
Harvey Silverglate on Free Speech Battles
Episode Overview
- Censorship today mirrors McCarthy-era tactics.
- Big tech plays a significant role in silencing dissent.
- Free speech protection is crucial for democracy.
- Media bias influences public perception and dialogue.
- College campuses are battlegrounds for free speech.
“"You're going to tell me about Mcdonald's innocence, but I will not entertain any criticism of the Fbi."”
How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? Trish Wood is back with another thought-provoking episode featuring Harvey Silverglate, a seasoned lawyer and free speech advocate. This episode takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the current state of free speech in America, drawing parallels with the infamous McCarthy era. Harvey shares his concerns about the increasing censorship and the role of big tech in silencing dissenting voices.
The conversation touches on the controversial deplatforming of Donald Trump and the worrying trend of criminalising political opposition. Harvey, with his decades of experience, provides a unique perspective on how the left and right have both taken turns in censoring free speech. His anecdotes, such as the one about a brave gay student at the University of Wisconsin, highlight the importance of protecting speech, even if it's unpopular or offensive.
The episode also delves into Harvey's work with the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, showcasing his relentless efforts to combat censorship on college campuses. Trish and Harvey's discussion isn't just limited to the US; they also explore how similar patterns are emerging in countries like Canada and the UK. With a blend of humour and gravity, this episode challenges listeners to reflect on the state of free speech and its implications for democracy.
If you're curious about how free speech battles are being fought today, this episode is a must-listen. What are your thoughts on the current state of free speech? Are we moving towards more openness or further restriction?
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!
More From This Show
The latest episodes from the same podcast.
Related Episodes
Similar episodes from other shows in the catalogue.