The point of the First Amendment is to protect expression people hate – Nazi protesters in Skokie, anti-war protesters burning the American flag, KKK hooligans in an Ohio farmfield, Christian fundamentalists protesting the burial of American soldiers. Tolerance for the speech we despise is the lesson of 232 years of the First Amendment. Yet the nation is awash today in … [Read more...] about Can the First Amendment keep up with the brave new world of machine manufactured misinformation?
St. Louis
Missouri legislature has history of ignoring people’s laws
For decades the Missouri legislature has been at odds with the will of the people on a host of major issues. Legislators are unfazed. In this year’s session in Jefferson City, lawmakers seem determined to codify their disdain for grassroots democracy. Legislators have introduced a slew of proposals to effectively end state voters’ use of the initiative petition process. They … [Read more...] about Missouri legislature has history of ignoring people’s laws
News Analysis: St. Louis tech startup that monetizes far-right fantasies faces little pushback in its hometown
by Paul Wagman Nearly a year has passed since the Gateway Journalism Review first reported that LockerDome, a prominent St. Louis tech startup, had become a company that partners with some of the most notorious right-wing websites in the country. Serving as an advertising middleman, LockerDome was actually helping to fuel dozens of sites promoting election … [Read more...] about News Analysis: St. Louis tech startup that monetizes far-right fantasies faces little pushback in its hometown
The Gateway Pundit says he’s the one being defamed
The Gateway Pundit, the far-right conspiracy theorist who is the target of a high-profile defamation case in the St. Louis Circuit Court, is attempting to turn the tables on his accusers. On Jan. 16, lawyers for The Gateway Pundit filed a counterclaim against two Georgia poll workers, Ruby Freeman and daughter Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, who sued him for … [Read more...] about The Gateway Pundit says he’s the one being defamed
‘We live in an era of bombasity because there’s no political upside to acting with humility’
When I reflect on all that has happened, there are certainly reasons to be discouraged. For six years, I've watched politicians foment hatred and mistrust of the press, demonizing us with the label "enemy of the people." The stream of lies and disinformation has become a flood. And now our democracy has reached a new low, with a former U.S. president this week calling for the … [Read more...] about ‘We live in an era of bombasity because there’s no political upside to acting with humility’