Recently we reported that Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) was planning to take action in Texas against big tech companies like Facebook and Twitter for allegedly having censorship bias towards Conservatives. Although we didn’t expect this to be groundbreaking, it seemed like a good step for those who feel they have been unfairly censored.
It now appears that Abbott’s new plans come with some major strings as he is now attacking social media platform Gab. Although we do not believe in discrimination or bigotry (against anyone) here at Media Right News, we do support free speech. It seems Abbott’s attack against Gab is not a very pro free speech move.
It could be argued that since Gab doesn’t censor much, some people get away with things they shouldn’t, or wouldn’t elsewhere. That may be a discussion to be had off to the side for some, but it appears that Abbott is taking it as far as labeling Gab as an “Anti-Semitic” platform.
As far as we know, the owner of Gab doesn’t advocate for that and hopefully, Abbott will be able to elaborate on why he thinks this. He just tweeted a video captioned:
“Anti-Semitic platforms do not represent Texas values. Proud to support @PhilKingTX & @GoldmanCraig’s bill to fight anti-Semitism in our communities. #txlege“
Anti-Semitic platforms do not represent Texas values.
— Gov. Greg Abbott (@GovAbbott) March 11, 2021
Proud to support @PhilKingTX & @GoldmanCraig’s bill to fight anti-Semitism in our communities. #txlege pic.twitter.com/ZVri3z0Wis
Gab responded on Twitter:
“Gab is not an “anti-semitic” platform. We protect the political speech of all Americans, regardless of viewpoint, because in this age of cancel culture nobody else will. That means unpopular viewpoints may be found on the site.
The enemies of freedom smear us with every name in the book because they hate America and they hate free speech. It’s a shame to see a GOP politician fall for this trap when conservative values are under sustained attack all over the country.”
The enemies of freedom smear us with every name in the book because they hate America and they hate free speech. It’s a shame to see a GOP politician fall for this trap when conservative values are under sustained attack all over the country.
— Gab.com (@getongab) March 11, 2021
Texan Mike Billand, who is running to primary U.S. House Rep Dan Crenshaw in Texas (R) had this to say:
“Houston, we have a problem. @getongab is not an anti-Semitic platform. Free speech should never be villainized.”
Houston, we have a problem.@getongab is not an anti-Semitic platform. Free speech should never be villainized. https://t.co/Q1kyqRFiZL
— Mike Billand (@billand_mike) March 11, 2021
Previously we reported in part:
Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott touted a bill at a press conference today that aims to crack down on the perceived censorship of conservative voices by social media companies.
In a video clip that was tweeted, Abbott announced, “The United States of America was built on the freedom of speech and healthy public debate. Big tech’s efforts to silence conservative viewpoints is un-American, un-Texan, and it is unacceptable – and pretty soon, it will be against the law in the state of Texas.”
Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) goes on a big rant about big tech and says censorship of conservative views will be “against the law” in Texas soon. pic.twitter.com/NDA9ImXAIM
— The Recount (@therecount) March 5, 2021
Time will tell if other Republicans like Billand will push back and stand up for free speech, no matter how controversial. In our view, with the exception to some potential bad actors out there, this is about upholding the first amendment, even when it isn’t pretty, and Abbott has once against fell short on being Conservative, just like he has done in the past when it came to defending historical Confederate monuments in Texas (or a lack thereof).
