Free speech and the Trump Administration

Let me begin by borrowing a snippet of one of Jack's posts...

Quote :

“Shutting down free speech is the (epitome) of fascism,” one person wrote on Facebook. “This is America.”

From the Washington Post...

Quote :

In a 90-minute briefing on Thursday, policy analysts at the nation's leading public health institute were presented with the menu of seven banned words, an analyst told the paper. On the list: "diversity," "fetus," "transgender," "vulnerable," "entitlement," "science-based" and "evidence-based."

Alternative word choices reportedly were presented in some cases. For instance, in lieu of "evidence-based" or "science-based," an analyst might say, "CDC bases its recommendations on science in consideration with community standards and wishes," the source said. But those working on the Zika virus's effect on developing fetuses may be at a loss for appropriate -- or
acceptable -- words.

Here we have the government dictating to the CDC what words are "politically incorrect." IMHO, that's just fucking Owellian. Do you have any thoughts on this, Jack?

From what I understand of this particular instance, it wasn't a ban issued by the Trump administration but a recommendation from upper management within the CDC instructing staff to avoid those words in their budget proposals in order to save them from this administration's war on science.

It's still awful, but not quite as originally reported.  There are other examples of censorship, though. And his attacks on the press should be of particular concern to any professed Constitution lover.

Trump Lawyer Sends Cease and Desist Letter to Bannon After Disparaging Comments in New Book
Ooohhh...a scary "cease & Desist" letter. I'll bet Bannon is shaking in his boots.
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Then there's this...
White House Bans Personal Cell Phones

Quote :

White House staffers have been told they can no longer use personal cell phones anymore, according to the New York Times.

Axios: “Leaks were likely a motivating factor, particularly as the announcement comes after today’s chaos over a forthcoming book.”

So now what? They all run around with burner phones?

Bombshell Trump Book Release Date Moved Up: 'Thank You, Mr. President'

Quote :

Amid a string of fierce rebukes from the White House and President Donald Trump, the publisher of Michael Wolff’s bombshell book, “Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House,” has decided to allow several retailers to begin selling the book a few days early on Friday.

A spokesperson for Henry Holt told CNN on Thursday the release date has been moved up: “Due to unprecedented demand, we are moving the on-sale date for all formats of 'Fire and Fury,' by Michael Wolff, to Friday, January 5, at 9 a.m. ET, from the current on-sale date of Tuesday, January 9.”

After the announcement that the book would be released early, the author took to Twitter to take a subtle jab at the president: “Here we go. You can buy it (and read it) tomorrow. Thank you, Mr. President.”