The following is a release by House representative Ralph Norman (R-SC). It addresses an alarming tendency by Facebook to censor viewpoints they do not agree with.
In case you missed my post yesterday, I was at a press conference in Washington hosted by the Tea Party Patriots to help encourage schools to try to re-open for in-person learning this fall, if they can safely do so and follow proper protocols.
The organizers brought in at least a dozen physicians, each of whom have been on the front lines of this pandemic. Each with their own opinions, obviously. After I made a few remarks about schools, one of the first doctors to speak was named Stella Immanuel.
If you’re trying to find her remarks on social media, good luck. Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter have been working overtime to remove any trace of her comments.
Why? Well, she referenced the use of the controversial drug hydroxychloroquine as one of the medications that she prescribes in her medical practice to treat COVID patients. Communications consultants would have advised her to say something like, “Here’s what I’m doing in my practice.” Or, “This is the treatment protocol in my clinic.”
I don’t know if she got caught up in the moment, but that’s not what came out. Instead, the language she used indicated that she believes this medication (in conjunction with some others) represents a “cure,” therefore making masks unnecessary.
Now let’s pause right here for a minute. Obviously, I was not privy to her planned remarks beforehand. I could not disagree more with her on the use of masks when social distancing is not possible, and I’m certainly no expert in medications. After all, I was just there to talk about schools! But she has a right to her opinion!!!
The problem is the knee-jerk reaction by social media censors was to eliminate her statement. To erase her voice because they deemed it inappropriate. If they want to “flag” videos of her remarks or put up disclaimers, then fine. Let adults decide for themselves whether what she said is worth hearing.
But don’t “cancel” her! Don’t silence her just because what she said was objectionable! That’s un-American!
I don’t care what your political ideology is – every one of us should be alarmed over this type of censorship.
Amen!