this post was submitted on 28 Jun 2023
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I agree with this, but some beliefs are well... utterly stupid and not worth reconsidering. It's a waste of time really.
It's the deciding which ones are worthless that gets dangerous, particularly when "worthless" involves prison sentences.
Not making a decision is in and of itself a decision. Saying 'Nazis deserve a voice because everyone deserves a voice' removes the voice of minorities because Nazis murder and oppress minorities. There is a decision that has to be made somewhere. Saying 'everyone deserves a voice and Nazis deserve a platform!' is limiting the voice of minorities.
Could you clarify?
Sure. In authoritarian states, it's common to outlaw "lies" about the government, where the government essentially gets to define what a lie is. The United States has its history with such laws in the Alien and Sedition Act in the late 18th century. In more modern times, you see things like Russia outlawing "lies" about the Russo-Ukraine War (including calling it a war). And by lies, I mean anything that does not match Russia's "everything is fine" narrative. There's also Poland banning discussion of Nazi collaboration by Poles in 2018.
I definitely separate that from things like deplatforming. Both people and companies should have freedom of association when it comes to political opinions. They should never be forced to support speech that they disagree with.
Which Lemmy instance was it that suspended Habeas Corpus?
None of them. Lemmy instances defederating are the epitome of another freedom, freedom of association. People should be able to choose who and who not to associate with without interference from the government.