Here in the Magnolia State, we take pride in more than just our southern hospitality and charm. We are a state of hardworking, innovative Americans with integrity who appreciate our independence.
That’s why our state and federal government must prioritize an environment free of unnecessary government interventions – particularly regarding the freedom of speech and the First Amendment.
The First Amendment is a cornerstone of our democracy; it's what makes the beating heart of America tick even to this day. It allows us to set our own values; it empowers us to express ourselves openly; it is simply what drives our self-governing society. In our increasingly digital world, our speech online must be protected with the same principles.
With digital communication becoming increasingly prevalent, the potential for government overreach and censorship has become a real threat to our fundamental rights. It is vital that we ensure our right to free expression and privacy is protected online. As technology continues to advance, it's crucial for policymakers and society as a whole address challenges to our freedom of speech and work towards upholding our fundamental rights in the digital age.
The U.S. Supreme Court recently weighed in on this in Moody v. NetChoice and NetChoice v. Paxton. These cases involved unconstitutional legislative actions that would have granted governments unprecedented control over online content, infringing on our First Amendment rights.
Thankfully, SCOTUS’s decision reaffirmed First Amendment protections to the editorial decisions of social media platforms. Their ruling rejected a misguided effort to control American speech on digital platforms and should be praised for protecting our freedoms.
SCOTUS made the right call here, and I hope that this will set a precedent against government overreach in the digital sphere and deter future attempts to censor Americans’ speech online. State leaders nationwide should work to protect our First Amendment rights, not infringe upon them. It’s crucial that our right to free speech continues to be upheld. It’s a worthy cause, and it will take all of us to see it through.
I’m proud to represent the good people of North Carrollton, Mississippi, and advocate for their best interests. I urge my fellow state leaders to support policies that foster freedom of expression – in person or online – here in North Carrollton and across the Magnolia State. Our voices matter.
Ken Strachan serves as the mayor of North Carrollton and is a member of the Mississippi Municipal League board of directors.
