There's nothing conservative about a crackdown on the media

Source: Washington Examiner | July 26, 2017 | Tom Rogan

A new poll for the Economist and YouGov reports two concerning statistics about conservative attitudes against the media.

First, that 48 percent of conservative respondents would allow courts to fine media outlets that publish stories “which are biased or inaccurate.” Only 16 percent would oppose doing so, and 37 percent are unsure.

For liberal respondents, 24 percent favor fines, 29 percent oppose them, and 46 percent are unsure.

The second statistic indicates that 37 percent of conservatives would allow courts to shut down biased media outlets, while 23 percent would oppose doing so, and 39 percent are unsure.

For liberals, the results are inverted: 22 percent support shutting down media outlets, 40 percent oppose, and 38 percent are unsure.

Hence why I say concerning.

It’s clear that conservatives are increasingly deferring to authoritarianism.

…..

Of course, this broad conservative anger against the media is in some ways unsurprising. Every day President Trump rails against the “fake news,” he encourages his supporters to believe he is a victim of conspiracy. And with much of the media already held in contempt by conservatives, sometimes for justifiable reasons, Trump’s words carry weight.

……

Ultimately, society rests on the enduring principle that maximal speech is the best speech. By ignoring this, conservatives would drive power away from individuals and into the shadows. The powerful would benefit from their shield against scrutiny, and the quality of freedom would diminish.

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