Discussion with Flemming Rose, Nadine Strossen, and Jacob Mchangama on political violence, free speech, and the impact of rhetoric. Topics include historical contexts like Weimar Germany, the balance between freedom of speech & security, trends in college campus attitudes towards speech, and the importance of cultivating a free speech culture.
Political violence can be linked to overheated rhetoric, raising questions about the impact of speech on actions.
History shows the delicate balance between free speech and security concerns, calling for legal safeguards and societal awareness.
Lessons from international incidents and historical censorship emphasize the risks of suppressing speech without direct ties to violence.
Deep dives
The Difficulty in Balancing Free Speech and Security
In a discussion on the balance, advocates for free speech in liberal societies face a challenge amidst increased calls for security measures. References to Supreme Court cases like Snyder v. Phelps and Rankin v. McPherson show the legal protection for heated speech balancing it with real-life security concerns faced by public figures like presidents. Despite legal safeguards, data indicates a concerning trend with a growing number of college students justifying violence to disrupt speakers they disagree with, highlighting a need for a culture that upholds free speech.
Historical Precedents and Legal Standards in Speech Protection
Historical events such as the George Floyd protests and rulings like NAACP v. Claiborne County underscore the need to protect speech even when it involves intense rhetoric. Legal cases like Watts and Rankin demonstrate the importance of distinguishing between political hyperbole and genuine incitement to violence. The podcast participants stress the role of courts in upholding free speech standards amid societal pressure for increased security.
Global Comparisons on Free Speech and Consequences of Restrictions
Comparisons with international incidents depict how countries like Denmark, France, and Germany have handled provocative speech, highlighting potential consequences of relaxing free speech standards. Lessons from historical censorship in the United States reveal the suppression of dissenting movements, emphasizing the risks associated with censoring speech without a direct and tight causal link to violence.
The Nuances of Political Violence and Justification in Societal Context
Discussions delve into the complexities of justifying political violence in response to societal issues, as seen through the lens of Nelson Mandela's pragmatic approach during the apartheid regime and the impact of different protest methods. The conversation underscores the significance of maintaining civil discourse over resorting to violence, probing the effectiveness and ethical considerations of using violent means for achieving political ends.
The Importance of Free Speech Culture and Advocacy for Education
The episode underscores the critical role of free speech culture in addition to legal protections. Close analysis of the Fine Speech ranking survey data, showcasing increased tolerance for coercion and violent actions against unpopular speakers among college students, underscores the necessity for reinforcing a culture that respects diverse viewpoints and fosters intellectual engagement. The conversation underscores the broader implications for societal values, security, and democratic resilience amid evolving attitudes towards free expression.
Did overheated political rhetoric lead to the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump?
On today’s show we explore political violence: its history, its causes, and its relationship with free speech. Flemming Rose is a senior fellow at the Cato Institute. He previously served as foreign affairs editor and culture editor at the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten. In 2005, he was principally responsible for publishing the cartoons that initiated the Muhammad cartoons controversy.
Nadine Strossen is a professor emerita at New York Law School, former president of the ACLU, and a senior fellow at FIRE.
Jacob Mchangama is the founder and executive director of The Future of Free Speech. He is a research professor at Vanderbilt University and a senior fellow at FIRE.
Timestamps
0:00 Intro
2:45 Initial reactions to Trump assassination attempt
7:39 Can we blame political violence on rhetoric?
15:56 Weimar and Nazi Germany
26:05 Is the Constitution a “suicide pact”?
39:21 Is violence ever justified?
49:24 Censorship in the wake of tragedy and true threats
