In a move that has left many conservatives and free speech advocates reeling, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) has openly challenged the fundamental principles of the First Amendment. In a recent interview with MSNBC’s The ReidOut, Walz boldly stated that “there’s no guarantee to free speech on misinformation or hate speech, especially around our democracy.”
Walz’s comments come as a direct affront to the cherished American tradition of unfettered free expression. The governor, who has aligned himself with the more progressive wing of the Democratic Party, claimed that “misinformation” has been rampant in discussions surrounding elections, the January 6th events, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think we need to push back on this,” Walz told the MSNBC host, further asserting that this “misinformation” is “insidious” and poses a threat to the integrity of the democratic process.
In his efforts to “make it as easy as possible to vote” in Minnesota, Walz has championed policies such as automatic voter registration and the printing of ballots in multiple languages. However, he has also vowed to crack down on “voter intimidation,” and it was in this context that he claimed the First Amendment is not absolute.
Walz’s shocking remarks echo similar sentiments expressed by President Joe Biden, who has previously stated that “no right is absolute.” This stance has raised alarm bells among those who view the First Amendment as the cornerstone of a free and open society.
As the 2024 election season approaches, Walz’s position on free speech is sure to be a point of contention and a cause for concern among conservative voters in Minnesota and beyond.
