Today’s Provocative Question, Fandango asks:
Do you think Donald Trump should be allowed back on social media now that he’s no longer in office?
By default, I think people should be able to use these platforms, if they choose to.
Incitement to violence seems like a good reason to ban somebody from these platforms. That might cover Trump, but if I governed a social media platform’s policy, I’d want to be happy that the conviction was objective, and not politically-motivated. Right now, I’d have severe doubts on those grounds but I’d withold judgement until I’d seen what happens during the impeachment process.
But banning somebody just because they talk crap? Even if you might describe it as lies? Sorry, but as soon as you say you support free speech you’re committed to tolerating views other than your own. Last week Larry commented on my post and mentioned critical thinking, and I think that’s the problem – not that he spouts all this rubbish, but that people (in the USA and abroad) are too dumb to realise it is rubbish.
Mister Bump 
Great point my Friend. As much as I detest his lies, I cannot help but also note hundreds of his “supporters” are also telling them on social media. The only difference is they don’t have his name recognition. All of the trash talk is still there, so…if it comes from Trump it’s news. If it’s from average Joe, no one blinks an eye.
I so wish people could open their minds, shut their mouths, and listen to different points of view…they just might learn something.
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I reckon that in a month’s time people will be saying.”Trump. Who’s Trump?”
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maybe… But there are a lot of people think his way, he is merely a figurehead.
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I think there is a difference between spreading lies and conspiracy theories on social media sites and promoting violence and insurrection. I think Trump crossed a line and, while I support free speech, screaming fire in a crowded theater is not protected speech, and that, in essence, is what Donald Trump did.
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Bear in mind he hasn’t een tried yet. He deserves due process, just like any other citizen.
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Yes, he deserves due process, but that doesn’t mean he should be permitted to abuse social media and to sow violence among his rabid followers.
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Good question. I will answer with another question: Who should take the decision to allow him back on social media?
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Very good point. I almost wrote a post on the theme “subjective”, but it got long and windy. But you are right – as soon as you say that a certain group of people can or can’t do something, you’re talking about somebody else coming along and making up some rules.
In this case, with anything social media, it is totally arbitrary because untimately they are private companies.
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“In this case, with anything social media, it is totally arbitrary because ultimately they are private companies.” Yep, completely up to them, and many have pointed out the hypocrisy of these companies taking action only now that the Republican party has lost the Senate majority …
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I agree! People are too quick to just take what he says and run with it! Even if it is rubbish!
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Yes,people should have enough sense, when he starts off on one, just to walk away.
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