Tag: war on free speech

14-33 Is it Still Free Speech When No One is Allowed to Listen? | Censorship & Greater Idaho

14-33 Is it Still Free Speech When No One is Allowed to Listen? | Censorship & Greater Idaho

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Show 14-33 Summary: Truth, or even just opinions, never need to be censored — unless you’re in the business of telling lies. We have a split show today — we’re talking about censorship in the second-half of our show, but first up we’ll be talking about the Greater Idaho Movement. Those two may sound like unrelated topics but at their heart, they’re quite similar — it’s about being free, and being free to speak one’s mind. And it’s about the powers that be blocking voices who have opinions they don’t like.

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Original Air Dates: August 17th & 18th, 2024 | Guests: Matt McCaw & Dan Schneider

This Week – Greater Idaho and Greater Censorship

We have a split show today — we’re talking about censorship in the second-half of our show, but first up we’ll be talking about the Greater Idaho Movement. Those two may sound like unrelated topics but at their heart, they’re quite similar — it’s about being free, and being free to speak one’s mind.

But do you really have free speech if the powers that be prevent anyone from being able to hear you?

Censorship is about only allowing one side of an issue to be discussed. The erasing… and silencing of other opinions. Only one side is heard, and any others? Well, we just don’t care. Only OUR voice matters.

Which is a bit like what happens in rural areas, where people who live there aren’t listened to. They have no voice. The only ones who do have a voice in rural areas are people who don’t even live there — people in big cities in other counties get to decide what’s best for rural areas.

Greater Idaho

First up we talk with Matt McCaw, the executive director of the Greater Idaho movement. This is an effort to expand Idaho’s border to the west and incorporate the more conservative rural counties of Eastern and Central Oregon. Counties that feel they have no voice in Salem. Because are outvoted by Oregon’s more populated far left counties. Which amounts to people who don’t live in rural areas telling people who do what they are allowed to do.

We’ve used this analogy before: letting people in cities make decisions about what people are “allowed” to do in rural areas is like letting people in rural areas decide things like how much internet people in cities are “allowed” to have. Or public transit. Or decide whether to build new roads or design traffic flows.

It’s an abusive relationship. And people in the rural counties are done with being battered and want out.

But if you think this divorce will never happen, take a listen. And it might just surprise how simple it is. And that it’s happened before. Right here in Oregon.

For more information on the Greater Idaho Movement, see their website: GreaterIdaho.org. Be sure to see their FAQs page.

The Censorship Movement

In the second half of the show, we talk “Greater Censorship” with Dan Schneider. Dan is the vice president of the Media Research Center, where he leads the Free Speech America program.

We witnessed censorship during covid. When differing opinions were blocked. Scientists and doctors were threatened if they did not comply. Threatened with losing their license if they disagreed with the mandates. And the vaccines. We saw censorship in the 2020 election. When the government conspired with social media to block posts unfavorable to Joe Biden. Especially the Hunter Laptop story. We saw Twitter remove Trump’s post on January 6, encouraging people to be peaceful and everyone needed to go home. But the media hid that. Why? To create the false narrative of an “insurrection.” And that Trump caused and encouraged it.

Simply put, it was a lie.

Remember: The truth never needs to be censored — unless you are in the business of telling lies.

EU Commissioner Thierry Breton's threatening censorship letter to Elon Musk re Trump Interview
EU Thierry Breton’s threatening letter to Elon Musk (click for full size)

Censorship — from Other Countries?

But the censorship movement hasn’t stopped. Elon Musk may have bought Twitter (now “X”) and exposed the censorship — because he knows there is nothing more fundamental to democracy and to freedom than free speech — but the censorship is still happening. And in many respects, it feels like it’s getting worse.

Is it? We talk with Dan about that. And we talk about the censorship we are seeing over in Europe and the U.K. with their protests against millions of immigrants. The EU’s threats against Elon for daring to talk to Trump—an American politician and presidential candidate. (“Foreign interference in our elections,” anyone…?) And it’s all happening live right now. Right in front of our faces.

But be sure to tune in to hear about a closed door meeting that MRC got a whistleblower inside. A secret meeting with Google telling leftist politicians how to get around Google’s own algorithm and restrictions on political speech. And, conveniently, not inviting right-leaning politicians.

And in case you’re wondering — yes, the censorship movement will get far worse under Kamala and Tim Walz. Both of whom are socialists. And that entails all of the censorship in any socialist country. You are not, and will not, be allowed to question the regime.

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

Trapped under a heavy object? Missed the show? Don’t worry—catch the podcast version. Mondays, after our network of radio stations have aired the show, I Spy Radio is now available on your favorite podcasting platform, or you can grab it right here. See the full list of podcast options.

Show Notes: Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

Matt McCaw, Greater Idaho, Segments 1–3

  • The Greater Idaho’s website is GreaterIdaho.org. See especially their news page and FAQs.
  • And, as always, check their Get Involved page for what you can do to give rural counties a voice by making Greater Idaho happen.
  • Just one of their interviews from Greater Idaho’s main page: “The movement to expand Idaho’s border into Oregon (CBS News Sunday Morning, October 16, 2022)

Dan Schneider and the Censorship Movement, Segments 4–6

Related/Additional

  • The Most Dangerous Anti-Free-Speech Movement in Our History (Fox News, via YouTube, Aug 12, 2024)
    • Alliance between Universities and media and govt and corporations against free speech
    • Polls show people still have an instinctual opposition to censorship
    • Jonathan Turley: “The Indispensable Right: Free Speech in an Age of Rage”
  • The Reintroduction of Kamala Harris (Time, Aug 12, 2024)
  • Kamala Steals Trump’s No Tax on Tips (Trump War Room, via X, Aug 12, 2024)
  • Inside Elon Musk’s Hands-On Push to Win 800,000 Voters for Trump (WSJ, Aug 12, 2024)
13-45 Battle Lines Have Been Drawn | Oregon Censorship Lawsuit Filed

13-45 Battle Lines Have Been Drawn | Oregon Censorship Lawsuit Filed

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Show 13-45 Summary: A split show this week. First up, we talk about the battle to get School Choice in Oregon on the November 2024 ballot. There’s been some confusion out there about the funding and how the typical strings-attached could impact home schoolers. Except that is not the case in this case. Find out why. But the bulk of the show is discussing the Oregon censorship lawsuit just filed this week. We bring on the lawyer in the case to discuss why it was brought. And what was so incendiary in Oregon’s “election disinformation” surveillance system. Don’t miss the state’s response to some Republican senators who dared question the state. The war is on.

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Original Air Dates: Nov 11th & 12th, 2023 | Guests: Donna Kreitzberg and Stephen Joncus

This Week – In the Trenches

There was a flurry of letters this week as opposing sides squared off over our 1st Amendment rights and, what many feel, is Oregon’s government attack on its own citizens. And from an office no less, that is the supposed to be the defender of Oregonians’ rights—the Secretary of State.

Two weeks ago, we brought you the shocking story of the Secretary of State seeking to hire an AI firm to track, monitor, and report anything the SoS Office deems “mis-, dis-, or mal-information” about the elections. (See Show 13-43, “Oregon’s New Surveillance System to Track, Censor “Election “Disinformation.”) The RFP they posted sought an Orwellian tech company that would surveil social media, websites, blogs, podcasts, and even radio broadcasts.

As we continue to cover this developing fight to protect our rights, there have been some breaking news items as the Secretary of State rightly felt the heat. Among the developments are a new lawsuit filed in federal court, thanks in large part to I Spy listeners’ multiple donations and generosity.  A big thank you to all who donated to make this legal defense of our First Amendment possible.

Also, the Republican Senators and Representatives sent a letter to the Secretary of State, admonishing the government’s actions and demanding that they stop.  But, not surprisingly, the government effectively responded with “It’s no big deal, we’re just monitoring.  And oh by the way we did the same in 2022 and see, no big deal. Plus, other states are doing it too.”

Great way to build trust, Oregon.

This week, we take a look at the legal issues behind this horrible idea.

Questions about School Choice Funding and Regulations

Map: Astounding Home Schooling Student Enrollment Increases by State, via Washington Post
Click map for full size

But first up we bring on Donna Kreitzberg to bring us a quick update on the hard work to get school choice  on the November 2024 ballot. I Spy Radio has fielded a lot of questions about the funding mechanism for this ballot initiative. Why? Because we have smart listeners. And people know that whenever there is government funding, there are strings attached. So wouldn’t that mean that stay-at-home parents who home school their children will be facing regulations tied to that funding?

The short answer is no. Not in this case.

Because we really dig deep into how Education Freedom for Oregon’s ballot initiative specifically protects against that. It will add an amendment to Oregon’s constitution that protects the choices parents make about their children’s schools.

That constitutional amendment ensures the funding attached to the children does not open the door to government regulations. This is especially true for home schooling — parents choices will be protected and puts a firewall between parents and government regulation. And that will keep government out of the classroom.

Have you signed the school choice ballot initiative petitions? You can download a single-signature petition or a petition with room for ten signatures. Head here to get your petitions and be part of the solution! Be sure to sign both of the ballot initiatives.

Note: there is a third school choice ballot initiative being floated by lobbyists that would not protect parents and home schoolers. In fact, it will almost likely inadvertently open the door to it and even religious based private schools.

Lawsuit to Block Oregon’s Free Speech Surveillance System

Then we welcome Oregon attorney Stephen Joncus, who filed the Oregon censorship lawsuit suing Governor Kotek, Secretary of State Griffen-Valade, and Elections Director, Woon. We discuss the impact the surveillance would have on Oregonians, the destruction of our privacy, and the suit’s request to put a halt to this contract.

Tune in to hear about the Oregon censorship lawsuit, why it was filed, what was so wrong with the State’s RFP for

To nutshell things, the entire problem is the State operates behind closed doors and is doing its best to keep it that way. They sue people who want to look. Or ask for access to public databases. They keep things behind a wall of secrecy, and now they want to block and control communication and discussion about a situation they have kept hidden. And then wonder why people question the integrity of the elections. And will attack anyone who does questions — to paint them with the Yellow Star of “disinformation.”

Read the Oregon censorship lawsuit, Thielman, et al. v. Kotek, the letter from GOP legislators demanding the SoS cease and desist, and the Secretary of State’s response to the legislators about their Orwellian RFP. As we predicted, it’s “Oh, we’re not really stopping free speech.” Sure. Threats don’t have a chilling effect on speech, does it Oregon?

Where are the democrats in all this? U.S. Senator Ron Wyden is against the government monitoring its citizens. So where are other democrats? Unless you speak out against censorship, you’re for it.

And, oh, by the way, it turns out there’s already another surveillance system already in place. That was news to us too. Don’t miss this important show!

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Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

School Choice Segments

Oregon Censorship Lawsuit Segments

13-43 Oregon’s New Surveillance System to Track, Censor “Election Disinformation”

13-43 Oregon’s New Surveillance System to Track, Censor “Election Disinformation”

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Show 13-43 Summary: Oregon has now hired a surveillance partner to monitor, track, flag, report, and censor what the State deems election misinformation, disinformation, or malinformation. This Orwellian surveillance system will monitor social media posts, websites, blogs, YouTube videos, podcasts and even radio broadcasts. This is a war on Free Speech. And we know this is just the first step on a very slippery slope. Where is this headed? And what you can do to stop it.

Don’t be silent! Click here to jump down to contact info for the Secretary of State and your county elections to tell them what you think of their reporting system.

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The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, six different times, on seven different stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to the I Spy Radio Show. Podcast available Mondays after the show airs on out network of stations.

Original Air Dates: October 28th & 29th, 2023 | Guest: Marc Thielman

This Week – Oregon’s Election Disinformation Monitoring System

We had a last-minute guest cancellation and were all set to air a best-of this weekend. But then, out of the blue, we found out late Thursday that Oregon’s Secretary of State had put out a RFP for vendors, looking for a surveillance system to spy on its citizens. Oregon wanted someone with a surveillance system that had the capabilities to monitor, track, flag, and report back to bureaucrats whatever the State deems to be election “misinformation, disinformation, or malinformation.”

That’s right. Welcome to Oregon’s War on Free Speech.

Want to read Oregon’s censorship RFP for yourself? Scroll down to the Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info section

This tracking system has massive tracking capabilities. Oregon’s RFP stated it wanted a provider to monitor all social media, websites, blogs, videos, podcasts — even radio broadcasts. All to hunt down whatever it determines to be “election disinformation.” Even whatever it deems to be misinformation or malinformation.

The stated goal is to give the State a free speech early warning system. To identify trends. And allow election officials to dispute, respond, and even censor any information that the state doesn’t like.

Oregon’s War on Free Speech

We welcome back Marc Thielman who is the lead plaintiff in an election integrity lawsuit,which is currently before the 9th Circuit. Marc and others wanted to help the state prove there was no election fraud. But the State sued to stop them, thank you very much. Now why would the State stop someone from helping them prove the elections can be trusted?

Censoring "election disinformation"? Tucker Carlson nails it: "Anything you're not allowed to ask questions about is something you should be asking more questions about."
Censoring “election disinformation”? Tucker nails it. (Click for full image)

Because the State tells you not to ask questions. You’re not allowed to ask questions. Do not question your betters. The State telling you, “Trust us” should be enough when it comes to questions about election integrity.

Nothing says “trust” like suing people who want to trust you.

But now, the State has gone off the deep end. It wants to proactively hunt down what it, in its sole discretion, deems to be election disinformation. No questioning the elections.

Marc and Mark go through this chilling and blatant attack on free speech. With this RFP, Oregon’s Secretary of State has effectively announced the State will now monitor everything people say online or over the air about elections so they can be alerted to it. And yes. They will undoubtedly seek to censor differing opinions. And even report “evildoers” spreading “election disinformation” to the FBI. And we know where that will head.

But where is this headed? What lies further down the censorship slippery slope? If the goal is to censor election disinformation, what’s next? We know the Oregon and the Biden administration worked with Big Tech to censor important information about covid and the vaccines. Information that could have saved lives. And even before that, the Biden campaign and his Deep State allies blocked and censored information about the 2020 election that would have cost Biden the election. The Hunter laptop and Joe’s corruption schemes.

Fighting Back Against Oregon’s Surveillance

If Oregon is allowed to monitor, profile, track and spy on you, with the goal of censoring or even reporting you — for your opinion — they will not stop here. You know they won’t. So, Marc Thielman has announced he will once again sue the State to stop them. And they absolutely need to stop.

Fighting back isn’t cheap. It costs $5,000 just for the filing fee. Head to Marc’s Battleground Oregon website to donate and to help him fight this attack on your right to free speech. It’s your right. Your opinion. Your right to say whatever you want to say. And the State should not be allowed to prevent you.

That’s the point of free speech.

And a reminder for Big Brother Oregon: it is the government’s job to protect free speech. Not censor or it.

What You Can DO About Oregon’s Election Censorship

We know from last week’s show about fighting offshore wind farms that public outcry is a huge part of stopping government’s plans and overreach. That’s why it is critical that you speak up. You cannot be silent on this. Or before long, you won’t have any choice but to be silent.

How? By contacting election officials and — politely but firmly —tell them you are opposed to this monitoring of free speech. Here are Marc’s suggestions for an effective email: keep it simple. Tell them you just found out about this election disinformation monitoring system, ask if they know about it (some county clerks may not have been told yet), and tell them it should not be implemented and needs to stop immediately.

Contact Information for Oregon Secretary of State, Elections Division

Email – elections.sos@sos.oregon.gov​

Secretary of State
​​Public Service Building Suite 126
255 Capitol St. NE
Salem OR 97310
503-986-1518
Fax 503-373-7414

Contact Information for Oregon County Elections Officials

Here is a convenient list to contact your county clerks: Connect with County Clerks

Don’t be silent—or you will be silenced!

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

Trapped under a heavy object? Missed the show? Don’t worry—catch the podcast version. I Spy Radio is now available on your favorite platform, or you can grab it right here. See the full list of podcast options.

Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

  • Read the documents! Oregon’s Election Disinformation Monitoring & Censorship RFP and its four attachments (all files are PDFs):

The RFP, S‐16500‐00007470, “MDM (Misinformation, Disinformation, and Mal-information) Analysis Platform Services”
Attachment A – “Solution Requirements”
Attachment B – “[Sample] Information Technology Services Contract”
Attachment C – “Administrative Proposal Form”
Attachment D – “OregonBuys Vendor How-to Guides“