I had not paid much attention to the left’s views on free speech until sometime in the early 90’s when I came across a caricature of Rush Limbaugh with a gag over his mouth and the caption, “Hush Rush.” It didn’t say, “Disagree with Rush” or “Don’t listen to Rush” but urged that he be shut up.

Back then free speech was merely under attack, but now it is being eliminated, with social media, where most Americans get their news, in the process of removing opinions that do not toe the leftist line. Up next may be TV networks. When Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says Congress may form a commission to “rein in” the media, she’s not referring to such Democrat mouthpieces as CNN and MSNBC.

It’s reminiscent of an old joke about the Soviet Union having only two TV channels. Channel One was someone telling viewers how wonderful communism is and Channel Two was someone ordering you to turn back to Channel One.

AOC is also among those urging that Trump supporters (aka “cultists”) be re-educated, de-programmed and “cleansed” of incorrect thoughts. Coming soon to a camp near you.

Jane Fonda said the Covid virus is “God’s gift to the left.” I’d say that gift has been surpassed, with a big red ribbon on it, by the idiots who stormed the Capitol, a gift that will keep on giving. Images of that action will show up in Democrat election ads in 2022, with the gist of the ads being, “You want these people in power?” Not only that, but the January 6 outrage has opened the door to criticism of the Biden or Harris administrations being labeled an incitement to violence, with punishment for “offenders.”

What is most astonishing is the speed with which the First Amendment has been gutted. As former Bill Clinton Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel has said, “Never let a good crisis go to waste.” The ramifications of this one may be far-reaching in their potential to crush opposition to Democrat policies.

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