{"id":5439,"date":"2023-09-12T16:08:14","date_gmt":"2023-09-12T21:08:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nakedpolitics.net\/?p=5439"},"modified":"2023-09-12T16:08:15","modified_gmt":"2023-09-12T21:08:15","slug":"5th-circuit-rules-government-violated-speech-rights-of-americans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nakedpolitics.net\/?p=5439","title":{"rendered":"5th Circuit Rules Government Violated Speech Rights of Americans"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20711%20415'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/nakedpolitics.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-37.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load wp-image-5440\" style=\"width:711px;height:415px\" width=\"711\" height=\"415\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/nakedpolitics.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-37.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5440\" style=\"width:711px;height:415px\" width=\"711\" height=\"415\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nakedpolitics.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-37.png 600w, https:\/\/nakedpolitics.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-37-300x175.png 300w, https:\/\/nakedpolitics.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-37-293x171.png 293w, https:\/\/nakedpolitics.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-37-390x228.png 390w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 711px) 100vw, 711px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>We have been waiting for almost a month for the decision from the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in this groundbreaking government censorship case. Its implications touch every single American citizen, and enormous precedent was set with this ruling. The following is a detailed analysis of the decision, and I hope that you will spend the time to read it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, a brief review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The case,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uncoverdc.com\/2022\/10\/23\/bombshell-court-order-outlines-proven-government-big-tech-censorship\/\">Missouri v. Biden<\/a>, was filed last May by the states of Missouri and Louisiana, along with private plaintiffs, against numerous agencies in the federal government. Plaintiffs alleged that the government (including the FBI, White House, Surgeon General, and CISA, among many others) was forcing social media companies to censor speech by threat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Plaintiffs wanted a temporary injunction to STOP this activity as their case moved to trial. Judge Terry Doughty granted them expedited limited discovery and deposition to get the information they needed to prove a temporary injunction was warranted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, the government fought this the entire way but ultimately was widely unsuccessful. The information the plaintiffs received was absolutely mind-blowing. For certain, the government was coercing social media companies to censor\u2014the discovery proved that beyond a shadow of a doubt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It came time for a hearing on the injunction, and I traveled to Louisiana for that hearing. It was 8 hours long and absolutely damning for the government. If you see the post I placed in the first post in this thread, you can scroll down and read all about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since that hearing, I have been honored to do several spaces with&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ThaWoodChipper\">@ThaWoodChipper<\/a>, who also understands the importance of this monumental civil rights case. It is the most important civil rights case in the modern era, hands down. We waited patiently for the ruling\u2026 And on July 4th, we got it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On July 4th, the district court, under an absolutely AMAZING judge in Terry Doughty, ruled in FAVOR of the Plaintiffs. Here is where you need to pay attention. Everything this judge wrote in his ruling is a PROVEN FACT in a court of law. In a 155-page ruling, the judge METICULOUSLY dissected the record and rendered a judgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I threaded this ruling when it happened, and you can find it on my \u201chighlights\u201d page\u2014but I want to make something clear: the fact set the judge is relying on here came from EXTREMELY limited discovery and deposition from ONLY the government Defendants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, the ruling was for a temporary injunction to STOP the government from the following while carving out some exceptions for them.&nbsp;AS THE REST OF THE CASE PROGRESSED THROUGH DISCOVERY AND TO TRIAL. Read this very carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l1hBSXQAA-7-R?format=jpg&amp;name=large\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l1hBSXQAA-7-R?format=jpg&amp;name=large\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l1hBUXMAA9A-j?format=jpg&amp;name=large\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l1hBUXMAA9A-j?format=jpg&amp;name=large\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Case 3:22-cv-d1213-TAD-KDM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">This list is going to be very important as we move forward through this thread, so please bookmark this for reference moving forward. So, the government obviously appealed this to the 5th circuit. The court heard the appeal in an expedited fashion (for them), and yesterday, THEIR opinion was filed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is hard to completely rehash all of the reporting I have done over the past year and some months in a short update, but basically, the government argued that they weren\u2019t threatening anyone ever and everything we got in discovery was nonsense and misinterpreted, and the 3 judge panel of the court of appeals had to listen to that, while reviewing the DETAILED fact set the judge had ruled on in the order for the injunction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, quickly, what we are about to go through is the 5th circuit decision on whether or not to UPHOLD the ruling that Judge Doughty made barring the government agencies listed from the actions listed above in the 4 set screenshot or to REVERSE that ruling. It isn\u2019t about the entire case\u2014ONLY the temporary injunction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I am probably 70\/30 on how this panned out, but the details are important. The government asked that if the court should rule against them, they put a stay (pause) on the order for 10 days so that they could appeal it to the SCOTUS. The 5th did that, so the ruling they just laid down is PAUSED for 10 more days while the government attempts to write to the SCOTUS, convincing them that they SHOULD be able to force social media companies to censor you. Chew on that for a minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, in the interim, while we waited for this decision, I had the honor of interviewing both&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AGAndrewBailey\">@AGAndrewBailey&nbsp;<\/a>from Missouri and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AGJeffLandry\">@AGJeffLandry&nbsp;<\/a>from Louisiana. Both are WONDERFUL examples of what you want in a state Attorney General. For links, see:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-rumble-com wp-block-embed-rumble-com\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" title=\"Dark to Light: Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey\" src=\"about:blank\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/rumble.com\/embed\/v31h8kj\/?pub=4#?secret=fHKTqkyOeV\" data-secret=\"fHKTqkyOeV\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><noscript><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" title=\"Dark to Light: Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey\" src=\"https:\/\/rumble.com\/embed\/v31h8kj\/?pub=4#?secret=fHKTqkyOeV\" data-secret=\"fHKTqkyOeV\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/noscript>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-rumble-com wp-block-embed-rumble-com\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" title=\"Dark to Light: Missouri v. Biden and AG Jeff Landry\" src=\"about:blank\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/rumble.com\/embed\/v33wt0f\/?pub=4#?secret=4uDEEOom8a\" data-secret=\"4uDEEOom8a\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><noscript><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" title=\"Dark to Light: Missouri v. Biden and AG Jeff Landry\" src=\"https:\/\/rumble.com\/embed\/v33wt0f\/?pub=4#?secret=4uDEEOom8a\" data-secret=\"4uDEEOom8a\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/noscript>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/storage.courtlistener.com\/recap\/gov.uscourts.ca5.214640\/gov.uscourts.ca5.214640.238.1.pdf\">link to the decision<\/a>, and here is a summary of what we are about to dissect as best we can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l4jcEWwAE9_2r?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load \"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l4jcEWwAE9_2r?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\" class=\"\"><\/noscript>So, the court agrees the government is guilty of what is alleged, but not for ALL of the officials that Judge Doughty did. Remember, everything is based on the limited discovery they were able to receive, but I wholeheartedly disagree with this, and we will go through the reasons why. Still, the fact this was affirmed AT ALL is a massive, massive win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They summarized much more concisely than I ever could\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l5J0sWoAEo5Fy?format=jpg&amp;name=large\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l5J0sWoAEo5Fy?format=jpg&amp;name=large\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l5J0sXgAAQ_MJ?format=jpg&amp;name=large\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l5J0sXgAAQ_MJ?format=jpg&amp;name=large\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>1. The White House and Surgeon General\u2014taken together Here, the appeals court affirms that the White House and Surgeon General requested social media companies remove posts and pressured them to do so. It also affirms that they also monitored the platform\u2019s moderation activities, and demanded information from them about their policies, \u201cAlways, the officials asked for more data and stronger interventions,\u201d said the 5th.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l6IYsWsAAZA0a?format=jpg&amp;name=large\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l6IYsWsAAZA0a?format=jpg&amp;name=large\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l6IYpWAAA2R6L?format=jpg&amp;name=large\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l6IYpWAAA2R6L?format=jpg&amp;name=large\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>From the beginning, the platforms cooperated\u2014even creating special tools, but as officials began to demand more from them, the platforms worked to \u201cappease\u201d government officials, \u201ceager\u201d to stay in their good graces.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l6msFWwAAnN12?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l6msFWwAAnN12?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Remember, everything in this decision REAFFIRMS a fact pattern. Here, the 5th affirms that the White House and Surgeon General attempted to interfere with the platform\u2019s own POLICY creation. This is so important. The government can not do this.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l6_ypW0AAELmn?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l6_ypW0AAELmn?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Here, the court affirms that platforms changed their moderation policy after instruction from the government\u2026 Tsk Tsk. \u201c\u2026they also changed their moderation policies expressly in accordance with the officials\u2019 wishes\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l7SaIWUAEnwYZ?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l7SaIWUAEnwYZ?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>As an aside, I don\u2019t want to hear ONE PERSON come at any of us who have been saying this for years and say it is \u201cmisinformation\u201d any longer. This is now affirmed both in Congress and in two courts\u2014a district court and the Court of Appeals of the United States.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/krassenstein\">@krassenstein&nbsp;<\/a>and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/EdKrassen\">@EdKrassen&nbsp;<\/a>argued with me in a space once that this is all totally untrue. I hope they will revise their positions. I won\u2019t hold my breath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The discovery proved that the changes many of the platforms enacted coincided closely with meetings between the White House and Surgeon General and the platforms. And even when they didn\u2019t adopt the changes, they censored content that DID NOT BREAK their terms of service after that content was flagged by the government\u2026 Again, marinate on it\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l8B1cWIAAq8q9?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l8B1cWIAAq8q9?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>At the same time as they were demoting normal Americans, the social media platforms capitulated to government demands to \u201camplify\u201d (inorganically) the government\u2019s \u201capproved\u201d narrative, specifically in this case when it pertained to vaccines for COVID.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l8hBEXsAA0YQw?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l8hBEXsAA0YQw?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>I want everyone to think about the above for a moment. They were forcing inorganic amplification so people would be fooled into thinking the vaccine was \u201csafe and effective\u201d when one of them was REMOVED because it wasn\u2019t. The sheer evil behind the obvious is unbelievable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even with all of that, the Ministry of Truth wasn\u2019t happy, scolding platforms for not doing enough and trying to coerce them to do more. All of this to get that needle in your arm, consequences be damned\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l9I_XXwAAE0RU?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l9I_XXwAAE0RU?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>And here, the court details the infamous press conference, where Jen Psaki and Vivek Murthy *expressly threatened* the platforms from the bully pulpit, even singling out certain accounts\u2026 This was the ultimate in authoritarianism, and the 5th circuit agrees.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l9kBRX0AAtRNZ?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l9kBRX0AAtRNZ?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe platforms responded with total compliance. Their answer was four-fold.\u201d The social media companies responded with childlike obedience to the daddy government. You can\u2019t make this up.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l-eNrX0AAB6ep?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l-eNrX0AAB6ep?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>They changed their internal policies in response to the presser\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l-lq-XwAAe9r1?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l-lq-XwAAe9r1?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>They removed speakers (like the so-called \u201cdisinfo dozen\u201d that they HAD NOT BEEN targeting BEFORE the press conference, and they continued to inorganically amplify the government\u2019s content.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l-9iDXIAA17yE?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l-9iDXIAA17yE?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Even this wasn\u2019t enough for the ministry of truth. They continued their public threats, invoking Section 230 protection as a cudgel for MORE action and using the office of the President as a backbone for that threat.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l_N4oW4AA71PT?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l_N4oW4AA71PT?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u201cNext, we turn to the CDC,\u201d says the 5th panel. They behaved much like the White House and Surgeon General. They flagged posts with supposed \u201cmisinformation\u201d and actively sought to promote their \u201cofficial\u201d position over others. They also provided direct guidance to the platforms on the application of their internal policy and moderation activities.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l_76bXoAALjia?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5l_76bXoAALjia?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>They had BOLO (Be on the Lookout) meetings on \u201cmisinformation\u201d hot topics. They asked for moderation changes, and they OUTRIGHT DIRECTED platforms to take certain actions. Direct violation of the constitution. Platforms began relying on the CDC to \u201cDebunk\u201d posts it wasn\u2019t sure about.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mAZiGWAAA2QZh?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mAZiGWAAA2QZh?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>And now, the good ol\u2019 FBI. They regularly met with platforms, at least since the 2020 election. They shared \u201cStrategic information\u201d to alert them to \u201cmisinformation\u201d trends in the lead-up to the elections.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mAyvwXYAAiLut?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mAyvwXYAAiLut?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Per their operations, the FBI monitored platforms\u2019 moderation policies and asked for \u201cdetailed assessments\u201d during regular meetings. Some platforms changed their TOS to be able to comply with the FBI. While the government boasted that *only* 50% of the domestic (I repeat\u2014DOMESTIC) content they wanted to remove was removed, the court didn\u2019t find that so beneficial for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is going to be the part where my disappointment comes in\u2026But, again, this isn\u2019t the CASE decision; it\u2019s the decision on the injunction only\u2026 They talk about NIAID, CISA, and the State Department. NIAID and Fauci didn\u2019t have regular contact with platforms or flag; they mainly appeared on Live Streams and podcasts and had those amplified. CISA and the State Department directly engaged with the platforms and discussed the tools and techniques that foreign influence actors would use.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mB1SNWoAA62H_?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mB1SNWoAA62H_?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The State Department didn\u2019t flag content, but CISA did, acting as an intermediary for third-party groups and then \u201cswitchboarding\u201d based on the EIP and CIS. The official\u2019s actions \u201capparently led to content being removed or demoted by the recipient platforms\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mCQ2sXgAAbjtR?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mCQ2sXgAAbjtR?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Relying on the fact set above, the district court concluded that the officials coerced platforms to remove content and change their moderation policies and, therefore, were likely to succeed on the merits, granting the injunction.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mCwBeWoAEkXEm?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mCwBeWoAEkXEm?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mCwBgXEAAUCJ2?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mCwBgXEAAUCJ2?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>LEGAL THEORY: On standing\u2014Any ONE plaintiff that demonstrates ongoing harm or continued injury is enough to pass the standing argument, a fact that was argued eloquently by the Plaintiff\u2019s attorney in court.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mDPPLWUAAbyFL?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mDPPLWUAAbyFL?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The government is arguing that Plaintiffs don\u2019t have standing because they can\u2019t prove a FUTURE injury. Here, the court goes over their PAST injury. But the court doesn\u2019t agree with the government. They believe there is ongoing injury, and there will be future injury as well.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mD72CWEAAXPrQ?format=jpg&amp;name=large\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mD72CWEAAXPrQ?format=jpg&amp;name=large\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>I want to stop for a second (again) and go over how monumental this actually is. This is the first time ever that a normal \u201cuser\u201d or American has submitted evidence of social media censorship and had their concerns ADDRESSED at all by a COURT OF LAW.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another HUGE precedent set here\u2014the past chilling of their speech has caused individuals to SELF-CENSOR. That is considered ongoing harm. This is a massive and very important section.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mE155WoAAYfWw?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mE155WoAAYfWw?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u201cAs the Supreme Court has recognized, this chilling of the Individual Plaintiffs\u2019 exercise of their First Amendment Rights is, itself, a constitutionally sufficient injury.\u201d They rule that the fears motivating the self-censorship aren\u2019t hypothetical and come from very real censorship injuries they have previously suffered\u2026 Legal Eagles affirm for me the importance of JUST this paragraph\u2026 Amazing.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mFSuRXQAAOm5X?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mFSuRXQAAOm5X?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The government had tried to argue that ongoing harms were not going to occur because, for example, Twitter had \u201cstopped\u201d enforcing its COVID misinformation policy. But the court disagrees, saying that they have been censored for views well beyond COVID. Continued next\u2014very important.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mFyykWQAAcktJ?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mFyykWQAAcktJ?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Here is something ANYONE who is considering any sort of lawsuit needs to consider. The court here aptly notes that plaintiffs aren\u2019t suing the platforms over their TOS; they are suing to stop the GOVERNMENT from interfering with platforms. Also\u2014the government admitted in oral argument that they are STILL in contact with these platforms today. TLDR: The court doesn\u2019t trust that the government isn\u2019t still forcing social media companies to censor\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mGNerWIAI9y4t?format=jpg&amp;name=large\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mGNerWIAI9y4t?format=jpg&amp;name=large\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mGNesXgAA9cbr?format=jpg&amp;name=large\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mGNesXgAA9cbr?format=jpg&amp;name=large\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>This is GRAND. The government argued that because the users had been REINSTATED, all is well. The court rightly says no. The fact that they WERE REINSTATED is what causes the threat of ongoing harm. If they didn\u2019t have an account, they wouldn\u2019t have to worry about censorship\u2014they wouldn\u2019t be able to post. Masterful.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mGitdWIAASmVw?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mGitdWIAASmVw?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The first standing hurdle crossed and landed for the Plaintiffs. This means any chance of appeal on standing to SCOTUS is likely a failure. The government has argued this standing issue over and over and over and has been shot down every single time. Now, that is reinforced yet again. This case isn\u2019t going ANYWHERE.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mG3uvXcAAoAXP?format=jpg&amp;name=large\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mG3uvXcAAoAXP?format=jpg&amp;name=large\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The Plaintiffs had to show that their injuries were traceable to the conduct of the government. The government argued that since the content moderation policies were in place in the Trump administration, and also because moderation decisions were made independently by the social media companies, they had no standing. However, the plaintiffs aren\u2019t challenging the policies themselves but whether they can be traced back to government actors. The appeals court agrees with the district court that, yes, they can be.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mHpW-WMAA2FE-?format=jpg&amp;name=large\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mHpW-WMAA2FE-?format=jpg&amp;name=large\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mHpW_X0AE2qSI?format=jpg&amp;name=large\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mHpW_X0AE2qSI?format=jpg&amp;name=large\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Even though there were instances where social media companies declined to censor, the Plaintiffs only had to show the likelihood they would comply, not certainty. The logical conclusion is that they would, based on the preliminary discovery they received\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mIJsHXUAAGnY2?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mIJsHXUAAGnY2?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>And I want to again stress this was a LIMITED discovery. The judge in the district court had made it a point in an order to let the government know that this was a mere scintilla of what would be required for production moving forward. So position this for yourselves\u2014all of this is coming from an EXTREMELY limited production of evidence, which will now broaden to include more officials, more agency heads, more PRIVATE companies, like Facebook, Google, and X, that will be subpoenaed and deposed for evidence at trial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, on standing, the Plaintiffs had to prove that their injuries could be redressed by a favorable decision on the injunction.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mJmroW0AAGfVY?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mJmroW0AAGfVY?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Again, the key here is that the Plaintiffs aren\u2019t challenging the social media companies\u2019 policies themselves; rather, they asked for the government to be restrained from unlawfully interfering with their independent application of those policies.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mJ6JMWEAAXZL2?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mJ6JMWEAAXZL2?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>And IMPORTANTLY, the government had argued that the state plaintiffs didn\u2019t have standing. That goes right down the trash shoot here, and it is a BIG deal. States were censored by platforms. This court determines they have standing as well.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mKaC8XcAAIbvO?format=jpg&amp;name=large\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mKaC8XcAAIbvO?format=jpg&amp;name=large\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mKaC-XYAAdtOr?format=jpg&amp;name=large\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mKaC-XYAAdtOr?format=jpg&amp;name=large\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>And an interesting little tidbit here. Other state officials have experienced censorship as well, so this isn\u2019t limited to just Missouri and Louisiana.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mKm0UWkAA7bTh?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mKm0UWkAA7bTh?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>And next, a very important part of the 1st Amendment that often goes undiscussed. THE RIGHT TO LISTEN. Constituent plaintiffs were harmed by the censorship of their elected representatives, and the elected representatives and states are harmed WHEN THEY CAN NOT HEAR their constituents. This was discussed at length in my&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uncoverdc.com\/2023\/08\/11\/dark-to-light-missouri-v-biden-and-ag-jeff-landry\/\">interview<\/a>&nbsp;with Louisiana Attorney General&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AGJeffLandry\">Jeff Landry<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mK_kcXsAApkaW?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mK_kcXsAApkaW?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The appeals court rules that the Plaintiffs have standing\u2014finally putting that issue to bed (hopefully) and also, the court makes sure to include that even the CDC admitted the need to \u201chear\u201d citizens. It may be for a different reason for them, but if you think about it\u2014if the government couldn\u2019t \u201chear\u201d what we are all saying, they wouldn\u2019t know what narrative they needed to craft to counter the truth\u2026 Goes both ways. NEXT!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mLYC7WcAAGD_q?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mLYC7WcAAGD_q?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>There is a high bar to hit to even be granted an injunction. You must meet four criteria, as detailed below. 1. You are likely to succeed on the merits of your case. 2. There is a \u201csubstantial threat that you will suffer \u201cirreparable injury\u201d without it. 3. The injury you could sustain outweighs whatever \u201charm\u201d the injunction could cause the other side. 4. An injunction doesn\u2019t disserve the public interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>FRAME THIS. \u201cThe Plaintiffs allege that federal officials ran afoul of the First Amendment by coercing and significantly encouraging social media platforms to censor disfavored speech, including by threats of adverse government action like antitrust enforcement and legal reforms. WE AGREE\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mMV6uXsAAri4e?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mMV6uXsAAri4e?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The government CAN NOT abridge free speech. Private parties are not normally constrained by the First Amendment. Again, the importance of this can not be understated. We are here because the government acted through threats to social media companies to censor \u201cdisfavored\u201d viewpoints. Every case against a social media company for their TOS or their censorship moves has failed because the Plaintiffs have targeted the social media company rather than the government. One exception I know of off the top of my head is the Berenson case, and he settled.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mM6guWYAABISp?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mM6guWYAABISp?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>One of the hurdles that needs to be crossed is \u201csignificant encouragement.\u201d You need to prove more than just \u201cuninvolved oversight\u201d from the government. You need to prove that the government was encouraging the decision to the degree that you can say it was their choice\u2014not the companies\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mSkE-WoAANruA?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mSkE-WoAANruA?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The other factor is coercion. It is very nuanced. Coercion can be subtle, and the court has to take a number of things into consideration.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mWmoIW4AA7mSp?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mWmoIW4AA7mSp?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>There needs to be a distinction made between \u201ccoercion\u201d and \u201cpersuasion.\u201d Here, the court dives into how the 2nd Circuit has meted that out. If an action can be reasonably interpreted as intimating that some form of punishment or adverse action will follow if the entities do NOT listen to the government, that is coercion. We have CLEAR coercion in this case. But the court continues its analysis because this is going to SCOTUS; it is important and needs to be VERY well settled when it gets there.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mXpzvXUAAdj8w?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mXpzvXUAAdj8w?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>They reference a case here where a sitting senator contacted Amazon asking them to remove or de-amplify a book about COVID that she claimed spread dangerous disinformation and provided Amazon with a report showing the alleged harm and a plan to alter their policy to stop it from happening again. She prodded them to \u201cdo better.\u201d The author sued and lost. The court reasoned that she technically had no power to do anything to Amazon in the singular, so it wasn\u2019t a threat (summarizing greatly here.) HOWEVER\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If there is some tangible power recognized by the government over the entity, you can assert that there may have been an implied threat\u2014such as the White House and Surgeon General making threats from the podium at a press conference and Rob Flaherty invoking the President of the United States as he demands content to be removed.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mYtJrWwAEZZKB?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mYtJrWwAEZZKB?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>I encourage everyone to read the precise wording behind all of the above (there are some I haven\u2019t included) to understand clearly the legal reasoning behind the decisions the court made in THIS case. It will have ripple effects upon MANY other ongoing cases. For example, I can see smart attorneys using this ruling when trying to fight for workers\u2019 rights in not taking the vaccine to be able to retain employment. If this ruling sets a precedent about *how* and *what* constitutes \u201ccoercion\u201d by the government, they could then, in turn, argue that they were acting because of the threat of punishment should THEY NOT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And on to how all of that applies here, in Missouri v Biden. Officials don\u2019t deny they worked alongside platforms but argue that their contact was permissible government speech. This was an argument that was made all over the media and from anti-free speech advocates that the government was being barred from speaking in this injunction and that THEIR 1st amendment rights were being violated. As an aside, that isn\u2019t what happened at all. The government was free to use platforms to blast its messages in COUNTER to what the perceived \u201cwrong-think\u201d was. They were just being barred from forcing the social media companies from doing it. They could talk to the social media companies about all manner of topics, just NOT topics when it came to 1st amendment-protected speech<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5maLkMXIAA3T2q?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5maLkMXIAA3T2q?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The White House and the Surgeon General \u201clikely\u201d violated the First Amendment. They say likely because the case hasn\u2019t gone to trial yet, and they can\u2019t make a finding of \u201cfact\u201d on that until a jury does.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5manMmXkAA3SsD?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5manMmXkAA3SsD?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>There were CLEAR examples of coercion, some of the many detailed here for anyone with eyes to read. \u201cOn multiple occasions, the officials coerced the platforms into direct action via urgent, uncompromising demands to moderate content\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5ma9y8WIAETZ52?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5ma9y8WIAETZ52?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>That was enough, but the court (knowing this will likely be appealed) went a step further to scrutinize the actions using more detailed criteria\u2026 and still\u2026. COERCION. Especially demeanor. It matters. I said throughout this that Rob Flaherty treated Meta specifically like a battered wife\u2026.I know that is hard to read, but it\u2019s true. The wife (Meta) returned to Flaherty over and over, promising to do better after being berated, cursed at, and scolded. It is really something to read.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mbdaiWEAAGiqR?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mbdaiWEAAGiqR?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The asks were phrased as orders, complete with follow-up to ensure the platforms had acted as directed.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mbpvBWAAAJMg3?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mbpvBWAAAJMg3?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>It doesn\u2019t get more obvious than this.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mb1dmW0AAJrDY?format=jpg&amp;name=900x900\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mb1dmW0AAJrDY?format=jpg&amp;name=900x900\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Platforms acted directly as a result of the WH and SG demands, including changing their TOS to accommodate what the government required. This is really something.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mcGOvXgAA2M1r?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mcGOvXgAA2M1r?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s here in black and white. They made accusations that platforms were murdering people and then followed that up with threats of direct action. There was always the implication of an \u201cor else\u201d from the government. Again, all of this coming from LIMITED discovery and deposition of just a FEW witnesses\u2026 Imagine what more we will find?<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mcfanXIAAjza3?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mcfanXIAAjza3?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>As another aside, the court cites the case of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/DC_Draino\">@DC_Draino&nbsp;<\/a>EXTENSIVELY in this.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/RonColeman\">@RonColeman&nbsp;<\/a>should be reading this in detail because you have things in this that will ABSOLUTELY help as you move forward in your endeavor.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mc0fNWcAAQfDf?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mc0fNWcAAQfDf?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>And, the court finds obvious encouragement. This is damning for the White House and Surgeon General.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mdEelXkAAzhG4?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mdEelXkAAzhG4?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The changes to content moderation policy at the behest of, and with the cooperation of, the government really put a nail in this coffin for them\u2026 This is really an overreach of the highest order\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mdSD3XIAA5DUJ?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mdSD3XIAA5DUJ?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>This is probably the most important paragraph I have read so far\u2014damning. The court asserts that because of this action, the government has now influenced every content moderation\/policy these companies create or change IN THE FUTURE, meaning that because of the pressure ALREADY imposed, the companies won\u2019t ever be acting on their own volition again, instead doing what they *think the government would want them to do* Wow.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mfwI-XwAAGG_N?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mfwI-XwAAGG_N?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Platforms actions are deemed to be \u201cthat of the state.\u201d The implications of this are so wide-reaching that I don\u2019t think many of us fully grasp them yet.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mgHQwXIAAXxfJ?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mgHQwXIAAXxfJ?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mgHQwXIAAXxfJ?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mgHQwXIAAXxfJ?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The FBI is a little different. While the messages weren\u2019t overtly threatening, they can be taken as so because they come from LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mgWzHW0AAor--?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mgWzHW0AAor--?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Platforms absolutely perceived the messages to be threatening, as they removed content from DOMESTIC posters in response to the \u201chack and dump\u201d narrative peppered to social media companies surrounding the Hunter Biden laptop story. But that wasn\u2019t all.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mgwaGWwAAk40O?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mgwaGWwAAk40O?format=jpg&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>And the FBI again meddled in content moderation policy, something they have tried to deny, but limited discovery proves is the case\u2026 Elvis Chan was in charge here, and he was deposed. How did they know it was him? The government refused to identify him. Meta didn\u2019t refuse. They got his name from Meta\u2026.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mhEc-W8AAPRQW?format=webp&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mhEc-W8AAPRQW?format=webp&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Again, even when the overt coercion standard isn\u2019t met like it was for the White House and Surgeon General, the CDC got involved with content moderation and policy set by the platforms, and that is a BIG no-no.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mhX3VWAAAqv5H?format=webp&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mhX3VWAAAqv5H?format=webp&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u201c\u2026 Platforms decisions were not made by independent standards\u2026but instead were marred by modification from CDC officials. Thus, the resulting content moderation\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mho3IXwAACsaO?format=webp&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mho3IXwAACsaO?format=webp&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>And here is where I have a frustrating grunt. Not so much because of NIAID but because of CISA. (And a little of the State Department) It is important to note the court specifies that \u201cat this stage,\u201d there isn\u2019t sufficient evidence to find that they coerced platforms\u2014although I disagree\u2026.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5miLmBXAAAPC4R?format=webp&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5miLmBXAAAPC4R?format=webp&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>They say here that the facts haven\u2019t demonstrated yet that they were demanding rather than requesting, but in my opinion, CISA is a MAJOR component of all of this\u2014the head of the snake. Allowing CISA to continue to act unabated feels almost like throwing the baby out with the bath water\u2026 CISA is EGREGIOUS, and the entire nerve center for a lot of this.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5milQXW4AADHoa?format=webp&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5milQXW4AADHoa?format=webp&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>After all, it was CISA who wanted the \u201cDisinformation Governance Board.\u201d It was Easterly of CISA who declared her agency would treat YOUR THOUGHTS as \u201ccognitive infrastructure\u201d\u2014the property of the government. It was CISA who worked extensively and created the outside groups and NGOs responsible for all of what&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NameRedacted247\">@NameRedacted247&nbsp;<\/a>has been reporting on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is CISA who funnels taxpayer dollars and works in tandem with these orgs to determine \u201cmisinformation.\u201d Leaving CISA out of this, even in the interim until more discovery, is akin to slamming the door on understanding the ENTIRE workflow. This is what I was referencing yesterday. This\u2014taken in tandem with the rest of the decision, makes everything else sting a little bit\u2026 It makes me shake my head. I understand the specifics you need to hit to be able to make an injunction like this stick\u2014we hit them here\u2014but\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, what is to stop the WH, Surgeon General, FBI, etc., from just going to CISA, who can still talk with these companies AND \u201cswitchboard\u201d and *suggest* moderation and having them *suggest* removal or changes?? This demonstrates why this is a difficult lawsuit to litigate. It doesn\u2019t mean the case won\u2019t ultimately find that CISA is just as guilty as the rest, but it does throw a monkey wrench, as CISA can continue their BS while social media companies decide to obey or not\u2014throughout the 2024 election cycle\u2026. Unless\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unless the Plaintiffs appeal this portion. I don\u2019t know if the benefit of that outweighs the risk, I am not an attorney. But as I said yesterday, the jumping up and down, while warranted, doesn\u2019t tell you the whole story, and there is a major downside to this portion of the ruling. Major downside. Don\u2019t sugarcoat it; just swallow it as it is. Bitter and crappy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In conclusion (sort of), the court vacated a number of the line items from that post I told you to bookmark above. It then rewrote what the CDC, FBI, WH, etc (other NIAID and CISA, etc.) are barred from doing.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mlbwuXcAAa-8N?format=webp&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mlbwuXcAAa-8N?format=webp&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Here, the court addresses the government\u2019s argument that an injunction is over broad because it would cover nonparties to the lawsuit. It also better defines what those agencies CAN NOT do\u2026 I\u2019m a bit torn on this, too\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5ml88KWAAAsOFm?format=webp&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5ml88KWAAAsOFm?format=webp&amp;name=small\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Nonetheless\u2014this is a GROUND BREAKING decision\u2014truly. It is a net positive that a federal appeals court has codified the fact that the government was acting completely unconstitutionally when they forced social media platforms to censor and ban people. It is a massive win for free speech. It is a massive win for precedent. It is a massive win for the future of this case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And, while all of the below organizations are enjoined from coercing the government to censor and need to figure out some other way to do it, this massive case will continue through deposition and discovery in LA court. This judge is amazing\u2014he is a stalwart for the Constitution. We have some hope that our legal system is not COMPLETELY broken. I mean, the climate czar is included here. How can you not cheer a bit?<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mm7iMWYAA7un6?format=jpg&amp;name=large\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mm7iMWYAA7un6?format=jpg&amp;name=large\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mm7iLXQAA69xp?format=jpg&amp;name=large\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mm7iLXQAA69xp?format=jpg&amp;name=large\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mm7iLXcAEp5hL?format=jpg&amp;name=large\" alt=\"Image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/F5mm7iLXcAEp5hL?format=jpg&amp;name=large\" alt=\"Image\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>I will continue to report on this case\u2014a case of the utmost importance to ALL of us. Thanks for reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Original Article: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uncoverdc.com\/2023\/09\/11\/5th-circuit-rules-government-violated-speech-rights-of-americans\/\">https:\/\/www.uncoverdc.com\/2023\/09\/11\/5th-circuit-rules-government-violated-speech-rights-of-americans\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We have been waiting for almost a month for the decision from the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in this groundbreaking government censorship case. Its implications touch every single American citizen, and enormous precedent was set with this ruling. The following is a detailed analysis of the decision, and I hope that you will spend the time to read it. First, a brief review. The case,&nbsp;Missouri v. Biden, was filed last May by the states of Missouri and Louisiana, along [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":87,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5439","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nakedpolitics.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5439","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nakedpolitics.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nakedpolitics.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nakedpolitics.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/87"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nakedpolitics.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5439"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/nakedpolitics.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5439\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5441,"href":"https:\/\/nakedpolitics.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5439\/revisions\/5441"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nakedpolitics.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5439"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nakedpolitics.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5439"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nakedpolitics.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5439"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}