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Comment by davidmurdoch

1 year ago

The context of the whole conversation is related to the Brazilian government silencing it's opponents:

> Brazil’s Supreme Court has drastically expanded its power to counter the antidemocratic stances of Mr. Bolsonaro and his supporters.

https://archive.is/plQFT

Being allowed to criticize our government (and any government) is precisely the "free speech" Americans hold dear. Brazil doesn't seem to find that to be of value, hence the comment I made in response to someone saying X should comply with the government of Brazil: "I'm guessing you're not a huge proponent of free speech".

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davidmurdoch

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angoragoats  1 year ago

So you were talking about the ability for people to criticize the Brazilian government, not the US government as you stated. Brazil is not the US and free speech protections there are not the same as they are in the US.

Regardless, I don’t believe the removal of content from one washed-up spammy social media site constitutes an infringement of free speech, in any sense of the term.

  • davidmurdoch  1 year ago

    No, I'm talking about the free speech values pioneered by the first amendment of the US. Constitution, and that these values are notable especially because we can criticize our government (and any) freely.

    The commenter I originally replied to was suggesting that the Brazilian government's self appointed power to silence it's oppressors is acceptable.

    The context of the original article is that X is leaving Brazil because the people there that work for X are at risk of being arrested and jailed for what people are saying about the Brazilian government and officials.

    If you stand up for a government that silences it's opposition I'm going to believe you don't support even the most basic core tenets of free speech (as set forth in the first amendment of the US Constitution).

    • angoragoats  1 year ago

      They’re tenets, not tenants, and I don’t think you understand what I’m saying at all so I hope you have a good day.

      Edited to add: For the record, I support Twitter’s move to leave Brazil. Also, you’re welcome to believe whatever incorrect things you want about me.

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