Paul argues that the government should not police speech and that private companies have a right to fire employees for violating codes of conduct.
On NBC’s Meet the Press with Kristen Welker, Sunday, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) lambasted Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro for his recent comments on censorship, accusing him of hypocrisy given the actions of the former administration.
“It’s kind of rich for Governor Shapiro also to come on and be outraged by censorship,” Paul said. “Was he asleep for the four years of the Biden Administration when they did have censorship?”
Paul pointed to instances where the FBI and Department of Homeland Security were sent to the offices of Twitter and Facebook to pressure them into taking down information, specifically citing content related to the origins of the COVID-19 virus.
“Facebook was told to take down information concerning the origins of the COVID-19 virus, or they were being threatened with removal of their liability protection or being threatened with being broken up by Anti-Trust,” Paul claimed.
The senator also weighed in on the role of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in regulating speech, asserting that the government has no business getting involved. Paul’s comments came in response to Jimmy Kimmel and the backlash to the comments made. He argued that while individuals have the right to say “despicable comments,” they do not have a right to employment.
“The FCC should have nothing to do with it, but I do think that, uh, you know, a couple of the networks pulled out. Sinclair pulled out. They were disgusted by the comments. That’s their right,” Paul stated. “You can be fired for not being popular. Also, I mean, this is television, for goodness sakes. You have to sell sponsorships. You have to sell commercials, and if you’re losing money, you can be fired.”
When asked by Welker if he believed President Trump only supports free speech he agrees with, Paul focused on what he sees as a positive change in the current administration.
“I can tell you that throughout government, the censorship apparatus that Biden had put in place is gone,” Paul said.
Paul concluded by stating his commitment to fighting any government attempt to get involved in regulating speech, emphasizing his belief that the market and private contracts should govern such matters. He also noted that he has a bill to legislatively dismantle government censorship.
READ: U.S. Ceases Censorship Frameworks, Reaffirms Commitment To Free Expression
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