“I think this time we’re going to have to really keep a very close eye on people within the Republican party to look for early signs of betrayal.”
Free speech stands as one of the fundamental pillars of a democratic society, serving as a cornerstone of individual liberty, societal progress, and the pursuit of truth. At its core, the principle of free speech ensures that individuals have the right to express their opinions, beliefs, and ideas without fear of censorship or reprisal from the government or other authorities.
However, in the age of digital communication and the rise of social media platforms, we have slowly seen the power to regulate content shifting into the hands of tech giants. For many of us this raises concerns about the potential for bias, manipulation, and overreach.
The importance of free speech extends beyond mere protection of individual rights; it serves as a catalyst for innovation, creativity, and societal advancement. By encouraging the free exchange of ideas and information, free speech fosters intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and the exploration of new perspectives.
Free speech enables individuals to challenge conventional wisdom and question authority, while also serving as a safeguard against tyranny and oppression, providing a mechanism for holding those in power accountable and ensuring that dissenting voices have the opportunity to be heard.
Which brings me to today’s livestream and a guest who is quickly becoming the leading voice in the free speech movement, with the goal to protect Americans and people everywhere from internet censorship.
Mike Benz is a former lawyer, IT expert and author who believes that restoring the promise of a free and open internet is one of the most important issues facing the world today.
Mike’s journey began with his transition from the legal realm into government service where he served as a speechwriter and technology advisor under the Trump administration.
His expertise in economic policy and tech advocacy paved the way for impactful roles within the US State Department where he spearheaded initiatives on international communications and information technology.
However, it was during this time that Mike witnessed a worrying trend: the consolidation of power between big government and big tech, leading to unprecedented levels of online censorship and infringement on free speech.
With that as a driving force, Mike founded the Foundation for Freedom Online (FFO) – a free speech watchdog dedicated to restoring the promise of a free and open internet.
Through his Foundation, Mike and his team work tirelessly to shed light on the pervasive nature of online censorship, publishing reports and exposing the complex dynamics at play behind the censorship industry.
Mike highlights what he refers to as “The Blob” – a term used to describe those operations beyond White House control.
“I find it to be a more useful term than something like the Deep State because it really encompasses this whole society concept. That what the government does, stretches its tentacles into the private sector and into civil society and into media organisations.”
Mike explains that “The Blob” operates both on foreign soil and domestically to influence events through media organisations, NGOs, public health ecosystems, universities and virtually every aspect of society.
Off the back of Donald Trump’s overwhelming victory in the Presidential Election, Mike is quick to sound a warning as to who Donald Trump allows into his inner circle. The appointments he makes will be critical if this term in office is to prove successful.
Mike believes there is a clear opportunity to make a sustainable change to the way all manner of government agencies operate and as the President-elect makes clear his support for freedom of speech and his plans to “shatter” the censorship regime, this could well become an historic administration.
Mike has dedicated his life’s work to “restoring the promise of a free and open internet” while exposing every aspect of the censorship industry and how so called government agencies that operate under the sphere of protecting national interests actually influence and shape the direction of society not only domestically but on foreign soil around the planet.
“What my foundation does is attempt to educate policymakers and members of the public about how the censorship industry dynamics work, and what sorts of things can be done in the interest of freedom.”
I always enjoy my conversations with Mike, he’s something of a national treasure and his tireless work in bringing attention to the complex web of influence extending from these government agencies and political actors has been crucial in changing the perspective on the system that is supposed to be serving the people.
It’s sure to be a huge episode as always, Mike brings receipts and vast knowledge. Make sure to spread the word and share the link with anyone concerned about their right to live in a censorship free world.
“They have always seen control over media as the lynchpin to control over government.”
