Don't Be Gaslit! Free Speech is Awesome!

This episode was produced while LIVE on X and Facebook Thursday Feb 20, 2025. at 8:00pm EST.  In this episode of the Billy Dees podcast, Billy Dees and co-host Cynthia Elliott discuss the critical issue of free speech, particularly in the context of recent societal transformations. The conversation highlights the mischaracterization of free speech, particularly in historical contexts like Nazi Germany, where true free speech was nonexistent. This episode is significant as it addresses the ongoing debate about free speech in contemporary society, advocating for open dialogue and the importance of diverse perspectives in determining truth. The discussion also touches on concern that movements claiming to support marginalized communities may inadvertently harm them through radical discourse. Billy emphasizes that the pandemic catalyzed an assault on free speech, with dissenting opinions often labeled as misinformation and silenced by media and tech companies. He argues that the determination of truth is complex, and that the suppression of diverse viewpoints is detrimental to society. The conversation is very much a part of current events, reflecting societal tensions surrounding free expression. 00:02 - Misunderstanding free speech  09:37 - The truth about hate speech  16:06 - Free speech vs. fascism  30:37 - SNL and political insensitivity  35:58 - Billy Dees podcast overview