Does the left hate freedom of speech? Sure looks like it.
In a recent column, former Labor Secretary Robert Reich, who served under President Bill Clinton, criticized Elon Musk’s influence and called for measures to curb his power. Reich expressed his concerns about Musk, suggesting that despite his immense wealth and ownership of significant platforms like X (formerly Twitter), there are still ways to hold him accountable.
Reich described Musk’s acquisition of Twitter as a move driven by a quest for power rather than a genuine commitment to free speech. He labeled the purchase as “dangerous nonsense” and proposed several actions to limit Musk’s influence. His recommendations included boycotting Tesla and X, and urged global regulators to consider legal action against Musk if he continues to spread misinformation and hate on his platform. Reich pointed to the recent arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in France as an example, noting that Durov was detained for allegedly allowing criminal activity on his platform and failing to cooperate with investigations.
In Reich’s view, similar steps should be taken in the United States. He argued that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) should intervene by demanding that Musk remove harmful falsehoods from X, or pursue legal action under Section Five of the FTC Act if he fails to comply. Reich emphasized that Musk’s First Amendment rights should not overshadow public safety and interests.
Moreover, Reich suggested that the U.S. government should reconsider its contracts with Musk’s SpaceX, questioning why such vital security-related contracts are given to someone who he believes disregards the public good. He argued that continuing to support Musk’s ventures only amplifies his economic power, which he sees as problematic given Musk’s track record.
Finally, Reich proposed that voters should actively work to ensure that Musk’s preferred presidential candidate does not win the election. This call to action follows Musk’s public support for Donald Trump, who narrowly escaped an assassination attempt during a rally. Reich’s stance underscores his belief that Musk’s influence poses a significant threat to democratic processes and public well-being.