Is Free Speech Dead?

It’s disheartening to see that free speech, a principle so many claim to support, is often only valued when their own speech is at risk. As the CEO of Gab, I’ve witnessed firsthand the disparity between the number of people who claim to support free speech and those who truly do. When I started Gab I assumed tens of millions of conservatives supported free speech. They all claim they do if you ask them, but I’d estimate that only about 10% of people actually do in practice. If you’re reading this, chances are you are the 10%.

Unfortunately when many people on the right see someone say something they don’t like they go into “shut it down” censorship mode just like liberals do. We are seeing this play out first hand with Republicans in the House passing anti-Christian “hate speech” bills and red state governors like Ron DeSantis passing similar “hate speech” bills in the state of Florida. In many ways this type of legislation is far worse than anything the left has done to stifle free speech over the past four years and yet so many of the talking heads on the right are utterly silent on these issues.

The problem is everyone has a different understanding about what “free speech” actually means. Elon Musk thinks it means people having sex on camera, monetizing it via digital prostitution, and distributing to the underage kids on his app under every single reply thread.

Gab bans such debauchery outright. 

Many conservatives think it means criticizing and mocking every country, minority, and racial group—except one. In many Republican circles you can say whatever you want about Blacks and Muslims, but if you dare to mention the Jews or Israel you’ll be silenced and shunned instantly. If you’re going to allow criticism of one group you should be open to it for all groups.

Gab allows criticism and mockery of everyone without prejudice. 

It is a saddening realization that, for most people, the value of free speech is only truly understood when their own voice is silenced. This unfortunate reality often leads to an awakening too late, when the freedom to express oneself has already been lost. In a world where the power of ideas and the right to express them are crucial components of a healthy society, it is disheartening to see so many fail to appreciate the importance of free speech until it is no longer within their grasp.

This phenomenon is not limited to any particular group or ideology; it transcends political and social boundaries, affecting individuals from all walks of life. When one’s own voice is silenced, the true worth of free speech becomes apparent, and the desire to protect it becomes a priority. Unfortunately, by the time this realization occurs, the damage may already be done, and the opportunity to preserve the freedom of speech may be lost.

The 10% of true believers in free speech are the exception to this rule. They understand the importance of free speech and actively work to protect it, even when their own voices are not at risk. Their unwavering commitment to the principle of free speech serves as a beacon of hope in an increasingly polarized world, where the right to express one’s thoughts and ideas is under constant threat.

Free speech, despite the challenges it faces in today’s world, is far from dead. The steadfast commitment of the 10% is the driving force behind its continued existence. These individuals, who genuinely value free speech in all its forms, are the ones who keep the flame of liberty burning brightly.

The 10% understand that the principle is about more than just expressing one’s own opinions; it’s about fostering an environment in which all viewpoints can thrive. These people recognize that the true power of free speech lies in its ability to challenge societal norms, stimulate intellectual growth, and promote the exchange of ideas. By supporting platforms like Gab, they ensure that free speech remains a vital part of our cultural landscape.

Moreover, the 10% are not swayed by the pressures of political correctness or the allure of cancel culture. They stand firm in their convictions, even when faced with opposition or criticism. Their unwavering dedication to the principle of free speech serves as a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit and the power of ideas.

Free speech is alive and well, thanks to the 10% of true believers who continue to champion its cause. Through their steadfast commitment and resilience the 10% are the guardians of liberty and the torchbearers of the future.

I am thankful for the 10% who continue to make Gab possible and shift the Overton Window in the right direction using only their words. We are up against a multi-trillion dollar propaganda machine and winning hearts and minds to our side little-by-little. We, the 10%, are history’s architects, shaping the narrative and preserving the principle of free speech for future generations.

Thank you for being part of this essential journey.

🫡

Andrew Torba
CEO, Gab.com
Christ is King