This week, we asked readers for their thoughts on “de-platforming” conspiracy theorists who have spread misinformation on conventional social media sites like Twitter and Facebook. We asked readers if such people then congregate on alternative social media platforms like Parler, will this just ultimately create silos of people with opposing views operating in their own echo chambers.

 

“The Bible talks about a time when right will be called wrong and wrong will be called right. We are in that time. Twitter allows child porn, but anything from conservatives, Donald Trump or others is banned. Of course, Trump and other conservatives should not have been banned or censored by Twitter when they have done nothing wrong except to go against and speak truth against the evil deep state agendas. Your beliefs are attacked. It’s not if it will happen. It’s when it happens because it will happen, and you’re kicked off. Freedom of speech should be for all.”

Evelyn “Foxy” Torres

Schuylerville

 

Editor’s Note: Twitter’s policy states, “Twitter has zero tolerance towards any material that features or promotes child sexual exploitation, one of the most serious violations of the Twitter Rules.”  

“That is stupid because you have two different parties, the Republicans and the Democrats, so how come they are going to go to different platforms? That’s stupid, what they are doing right now. They need to pay attention to what they’re supposed to do, help the people, and stop this stupidity with Donald Trump. What they are doing is stupid.”

Jeanette Olevence

Fordham Manor

 

“As a veteran, I fully support freedom of speech, but just as you can’t shout, ‘Fire!’ in a crowded theater, you cannot incite an insurrection on The Capitol. Leaders must be held accountable for what they say. Losing your platform for spreading hate speech or fake news is appropriate. If you need to find alternative sites to spread your lies, it just shows how weak their agenda is. For those that go with them – bye-bye trolls! The media is headed in that direction, and most people only want to hear their own views anyway.”

Christopher Perkins

Norwood

 

“I think what happened at the Capitol was frightening, but so was the Boston Tea Party. Historically, these incidents happen at times of social upheaval. We need to ask ourselves as a nation how we can address our entire population’s needs, instead of further splintering into increasingly radicalized factions.”

Rozsa Gaston

Bronxville

 

“I am well aware of the First Amendment of the Constitution. However, social media outlets are not government platforms nor official policies that are put in place. Before creating your own social media account, you must first agree to the terms and conditions that are listed by the specific outlet. If we agree to the rules of each platform, then by all means follow them. What’s so hard about that? But whenever someone’s rhetoric can result in “increased harm” to someone, then you should be banned, or shut down permanently. You breached the company’s terms of service.”

Jason Gonzalez

Olinville