I have a fairly good gauge of when the community is under stress based on the outreach I receive. People are angry, upset, they seek justice. They seek blame. Language is heightened, aggressive, urgent.
Reactions to shootings have shifted recently as well. Now people hope the shooter isn’t one of “us,” but rather one of “them,” so they can blame “them” for what is happening to the country. The base level of that idea is that the political affiliation of a murderer can paint the rest of those with similar ideologies in a bad light. It should be clear, however, that the only people responsible are the murderers themselves. There are influences, sure, but influences are all around. The people who choose to murder another person make that choice themselves. No one should blame a parent, a roommate, a teacher, a friend, lifestyle, etc. It is the responsibility of that one person only.
The Republican and Democratic parties have wide ranges of perspectives. To suggest that the actions of one is representative of the actions of all doesn’t make any sense. But these are nebulous times, with terrible things happening to people who didn’t deserve it. And many are tired of the nation’s fever right now, but can only operate at that pitch too. We should take it down.
We also should not reduce our first and most important amendment to the Constitution: freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly and the right to protest. Most know cancel culture went too far in many instances. Groups of people spent their days looking for bad social media posts and the possibility that there was questionable material in older movies, books and TV shows. Statues came down, and conversations were stunted because of fear of retribution or cancellation if something was interpreted to be inappropriate.
In “The Friends of Voltaire,” a biography of the French philosopher, Evelyn Beatrice Hall summarized his beliefs by saying: “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” This should hold true in this nation too, then and now.
Free speech has its limits, but people can say crazy things in America and the idea that we should snitch on people is worrisome. It’s within rights, but problematic. When Vice President JD Vance says we should tell employers about people who celebrate the death of Charlie Kirk, it’s problematic. I understand the death of his friend is likely affecting Vance greatly but this is dangerous terrain.
Saying Kirk deserved it, or that you are happy about it, is simply awful. But saying awful things should be allowed despite the fact that I, and many others, vehemently disagree. It is a fireable offense? I think not, but that’s up to every employer — however, they need to be careful where lines are drawn when it comes to free speech. Everyone has the right to be critical within the rules of any forum — on TV, in print or online. There are so many bad takes on social media, where would one possibly stop? It’s best to leave the bad takes alone and let them wither away. Better yet, take a break from it yourself.
In person is better than online. We are a nation that solves its problems through discussion, not violence. The answer to bad speech is good speech and we need more discussions, not fewer. Love him or hate him, that’s what Kirk was all about.
Shutting down expression is antithetical to the American mission of freedom of speech. If we went too far with cancel culture, it’s important not to go too far now.
If you want to solve exterior influences, start with yourself and consider if you are open to hearing other points of view or simply just want to win arguments. This race to the bottom is just circling the drain, leading to you know where, and we need to stop and be adults. Who will say enough if not for us right now?
We are a country with millions of opinions and slivers of both agreement and disagreement. Social media is designed to amplify the extreme and heighten tension. We have been trained to treat people as others, not fellows, and technology built this dangerous path. Yet we are not required to walk this path even though our leaders do.
Our Founding Fathers decided the Bill of Rights was necessary to ensure protection of the individual after the passage of our Constitution, our book of rules. Our republic’s 10 amendments to its Constitution are for the protection of each and every one of us against the arbitrary will of officials or the majority.
Its first amendment protected speech, and any persecution and prosecution for it is an affront to our founding principles.
(12) comments
Jon Mays are free speech go together like lamb and tuna fish
You’ll notice from the comments below that that Trump team continues their overwhelming domination of the SMDJ Comments section despite their always feeling like a “persecuted minority.”
Well folks, I don’t expect that the article I cite below will change any of their minds because they *never* make mistakes nor admit anything wrong. This is why 99% of readers never bother to engage with them in conversation - there can be no conversation when give and take is impossible and one side is always right.
However PIGS ARE STARTING TO FLY!!! Take a look at this!!! I never thought that I would see the day that Ted Cruz would have the courage to stand up to Trump since Trump pummeled him and his family in the 2016 election!
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/19/us/politics/ted-cruz-fcc-abc-jimmy-kimmel.html
But, of course, Trump disagrees with Cruz in the article (as will, we can predict with close to 100% certainty, Terrence Y and friends).
What the SMDJ Conservative Cabal never seems to realize is that, every time their side is accused of doing something wrong, they retort with similar offenses that the other side has committed.
However, the conclusion is NOT therefore that their side is “great” and the other side sucks. We all should have learned in Kindergarten that “two wrongs do not make a right!”
The real conclusion is that **both** current parties suck, and we need to vote out extremists from our political system and return it to rationality!!
Sadly, because of the current toxic, threat-ladened environment, extremists are the only only ones crazy enough to go into politics!! THIS is the problem that we need to address!
Well David - look at it this way. Republicans can disagree in public which is not the predictable character of most group thinkers in the Democrat Party. Not one even has the nerve to publicly oppose the current communist front runner for mayor of New York. I have yet to read about any disagreements in that party. I agree with Cruz and we need more of his caliber in the Republican Party to keep Trump from going overboard.
When Pam Bondi made a remark about prosecuting "hate speech" last week she was roundly criticized online by most principled conservatives and the statement was walked back the next day.
I'll take the high road with David "I'm smarter than everyone else" K and not respond to his not so thinly veiled insults. Clearly he hasn't read my history of comments here.
Actually, DavidKristofferrson, what we’ve noticed is that “Trump team” (although not all are on the team) comments are making a difference on you and others. To wit, you’re admitting Democrats initiated the “wrongs” in your “two wrongs do not make a right” lecture. Similar to a different thread in which we have Mr. Oberg admitting that the US Constitution does protect individual liberties when previously he said it didn’t. Progress.
I’m unsure why you think Ted Cruz’s words should be heeded by everyone. Will Democrats first set an example by heeding Mr. Fetterman’s message to stand up to Democrats (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/fetterman-breaks-with-his-party-over-extreme-remarks/ss-AA1MV222)? There can be no conversation when give and take is impossible and one side is always right. (Actually, there is a side that is always right – Trump supporters.) Or similar to how you give get-out-of-jail free cards to climate activists who burn carbon to their hearts’ desires, do you give get-out-of-jail free cards to those in the Democrat party who spew violent rhetoric and who’ve censored conservative viewpoints. On the bright side, because the next climate conference is out in the boonies, so to speak, they’re expecting less attendees (https://www.smdailyjournal.com/news/national/as-un-climate-talks-loom-in-brazil-many-would-be-participants-fear-they-cant-afford/article_70cb1ba9-b70c-59c6-909b-730a0e2ca55b.html). On the not so bright side, attendees need to shell out more green (as in money) for the opportunity to be lectured on green (as in environment). All while ignoring the hypocrisy of their gas-guzzling emissions.
If we need to vote out extremists from our political system, shouldn’t you and fellow Democrats start calling out and stop voting for the Democrats who prioritize criminals and terrorists over American citizens? Shouldn’t you and fellow Democrats call out and stop voting for Democrats who celebrate a political assassination? You have wannabe dictator Newsom making threats against Kristi Noem and signing legislation attempting to tell feds they can’t mask yet Newsom is perfectly okay with Antifa and other terrorists masking up.
Actions have consequences and if you and your fellow Democrats allow Democrats to double and triple down on their anti-American stances, why would you be surprised if patriots attempt to do the right thing to correct Democrat “wrongs”? Instead of generalizations, what are your solutions? I’d recommend you implement them as quickly as possible. BTW, thanks for another shout-out. Like our (yes, our) great President Trump living rent-free in other people’s heads, I now understand the feeling. I’m honored. Don’t worry. I’ll use my powers for good. Have a Trump-tastic day! Don’t forget to watch Charlie Kirk’s memorial today.
Terrence Y says, “ Actually, DavidKristofferrson, what we’ve noticed is that “Trump team” (although not all are on the team) comments are making a difference on you and others. To wit, you’re admitting Democrats initiated the “wrongs” in your “two wrongs do not make a right” lecture.”
“Terrence” gives the “Trump team” far too much credit for “making a difference on you and others” and once again demonstrates how he misreads others’ comments, and makes up what he wants to hear, thereby misrepresenting their positions. He then often cuts and pastes this flimsy propaganda repeatedly, trying to provoke a response, and subsequently complains when he is “ghosted” by others.
I **have** called out many shortcomings on both political sides in my SMDJ comments over the years. I don’t recall “Terrence Y” ever saying anything critical of “our great President Trump,” and now he comes right out and says “Actually, there is a side that is always right – Trump supporters” which proves my point. Although he may be saying this mockingly/in jest, his actions in past exchanges follow the standard Trump playbook of never admitting any flaws on their side.
As I said in my comments above, “there can be no conversation when give and take is impossible and one side is always right.” No side is ever “always right” except in their own delusional minds. I have not in the past and will not now take the time to rebut his numerous misrepresentations of my positions from previous conversations in his comment above because the inevitable responses only leads to more of the same. Terrence always loves to get the last word in, and I expect that this time will be no different. He will congratulate himself once again for my taking the time to respond, but, honestly, the only reason that I took the time here is for the benefit of other new readers who might stumble upon this silly exchange. I most assuredly do not do so in order to “honor” him.
Good points. However, just as individuals can express controversial views, private entities can decide to terminate employees, clients, or suppliers whose public statements conflict with their values or business interests. This is not a violation of free speech, but an exercise of it.
I also noticed a sometimes hilarious confusion regarding the true meaning of "democracy'" which is now used to neutralize ideas that appear threatened, and the current one, The First Amendment, that is erroneously applied to a business decision. No matter what is at stake, it is all because of Trump's election. Somehow, the vicious Cancel Culture during the last administration, that upended many livelihoods, did not get much attention because it fit the Left's narrative. The hypocrisy is stunning.
Thanks for your column today, Mr. Mays. I’d posit that just about, if not all, DJ readers heed your words to solve problems through discussion but I don’t believe we’re the target audience. The target audience would be those far-left and radical Democrats who are the voice of the Democrat party. Their continued rhetoric, sometimes violent, and outright lies are drowning out the voices of the many Democrats who believe in using words to solve problems. Why are these Democrats not speaking up en masse? Or do they approve of their vocal minority taking over the party?
A few examples of voices from the Democrat party… Governor Newsom used the phrase, “punch these sons of (bleep) in the mouth.” You have Democrat Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries telling people, “That’s not acceptable. We are going to fight it legislatively. We’re going to going to fight it in the courts, and we’re going to fight it in the streets.” You have Representative Dave Min refusing to remove a post claiming Charlie Kirk’s assassin was MAGA. An obvious lie. You have Maxine Waters encouraging people to harass Trump administration officials.
Examples of what leftist rhetoric have likely contributed to can be found in Eric Schmitt’s recent questioning of Kash Patel. Schmitt highlights 15 instances of the violence committed by the left targeting conservatives, Christians, Trump supporters and random citizens. Once can go to YouTube and find video footage. Or if anyone is interested, respond and I’ll post a list of those highlighted by Mr. Schmitt.
I’ll wait to see if Democrats follow your advice but I’m not surprised that the small Democrat minority taking the lead and controlling the party message doubles and triples down on their violent rhetoric. Let’s hope the American people hold them accountable since fellow Democrats aren’t holding them accountable. Folks that hate America have shown us who they are – we should believe them. Should we take away their first amendment rights? No. Should they face potential consequences on how they use their first amendment rights? Yes.
Locally you have Jordan Grimes, YIMBY activist and President of Peninsula Young Democrats posting "Play Stupid Games Win Stupid Prizes" within an hour of the Kirk shooting and a commenter threatening "MAGATS" with "The Charlie Kirk Experience." 8 days and counting and post still up and local Dem party has not condemned this language. I've reached out to the Chair and have heard nothing.
Thank you. Now we all must remember and act on this...together.
Come get your boy....https://bsky.app/profile/cafedujord.bsky.social/post/3lyiyi2hfsk2j
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