Bill Maher is nothing if not consistent.
It’s clear that he is not a supporter of religious beliefs, as demonstrated in his 2008 film “Religulous.” He consistently votes for Democratic candidates and has firmly established his credentials in the realm of free speech.
His party has, but not Maher.
On his show, the host of “Club Random” invited comedian Tom Green from Canada. However, they disagreed passionately about the principles of free speech in their respective countries.
During the Biden administration, there were instances where America, being a nation with the First Amendment, appeared to falter in upholding free speech. The Twitter Files provided compelling evidence to support this claim.
So did Biden’s “misinformation” czar Nina Jankowicz, dubbed in some circles as Scary Poppins.
Biden, who is now older, expressed that one of his greatest regrets during his presidency was not being more assertive in countering what he refers to as ‘false information’.
He’s the same leader who kicked off his 2020 presidential campaign with the “Very Fine People” lie.
A tribute to the accusations of “misinformation” being thrown about.
In this context, Nina Jankowicz, who is also known as “Scary Poppins,” was appointed by President Biden in 2022 to serve as the Executive Director of the Disinformation Governance Board within the United States.
In 2022, Nina Jankowicz, who goes by “Scary Poppins,” was selected by President Biden to lead the Disinformation Governance Board in the U.S. as its Executive Director.
— Oscar Duh Grouch (@oscar_z_grouch) January 8, 2025
Canada’s free speech incringements have been more obvious and frightening.
Recall the time when the government took strict measures against the Truckers’ Protests? Notably, The Atlantic issued a warning regarding internal movements that could significantly limit freedom of speech within the nation.
That context matters for Maher’s Sunday chat with Green.
During their lively discussion, Maher stated that some individuals have been apprehended by England due to their online viewpoints. This statement is factually correct as there have been instances where people have been charged or arrested for expressing controversial opinions on the internet in the United Kingdom.
Green countered that there’s “misinformation” about Canada’s free speech principles.
It’s quite possible that term provoked Maher, as he recognizes how contemporary censors often use it to suppress others. Do you recall the COVID-19 pandemic? (Or perhaps, “It seems that particular term sparked a response from Maher, as he is aware that such censorship tactics are often employed by modern censors during situations like the COVID-19 pandemic.”)
In Canada, I’ve never found myself lacking the ability to express myself due to certain restrictions. While it does have hate speech laws, there are indeed topics off-limits for discussion. However, isn’t it unusual to even contemplate saying such things? Isn’t it self-explanatory that most people wouldn’t want to engage in such discourse?
“That’s not what free speech means,” Maher said.
Green stated that the definition of hate speech in Canada is clearly outlined, avoiding any ambiguity. He emphasized that it’s quite particular, meaning there are specific things one cannot say, which no one would approve or support.
Maher responded, “If you’re unaware of what free speech entails, then it’s not free speech you’re talking about. In essence, not everyone shares the same views. The United States Supreme Court has decided that even Nazis have the right to march in Skokie, Illinois.
In a reference to an incident from 1977, the host spoke about a situation in which Neo-Nazis focused on a Chicago neighborhood that had been home to numerous Holocaust survivors. At that time, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) upheld the Nazis’ freedom of speech rights. However, it’s worth noting that the ACLU no longer actively fights for free speech in the same capacity as they once did.
Today, it’s widely acknowledged that the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression stands out as a leading advocate for the protection of the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment.
Maher is on the same page as FIRE, something Green learned during their exchange.
Maher commented, ‘Even when something is deeply offensive, that’s the essence of free speech.’ He added that while it’s easy to support speech that aligns with our views, it’s crucial not to limit ourselves when opinions shift.
Interestingly, it’s worth noting that Green was a part of one of the most contentious films from the 2000s – “Freddy Got Fingered”. This film garnered intense criticism due to its humor, which many found highly inappropriate and offensive.
Hate speech? It’s in the eye of the beholder.
Roger Ebert gave the film zero stars back in 2001.
This movie is not the worst you can find.
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2025-02-24 22:03