There’s this tension hanging in the air for those who work in digital media and happen to be Second Amendment-friendly: who’s going to be hit next?
It’s no secret that internet giants like Google, their somewhat-recently-acquired vassal YouTube, and Facebook are very open about their political leanings. If you dig a little deeper and it won’t take long to find that these organizations regularly try to quash sites, videos, and accounts that spread messages that don’t jive with their own.
It’s no joke — it may just seem like a change in the newsfeed for some, but people are losing jobs all of the time because their message is being stifled.
Now, it’s happening again.
A recent announcement from Brownells, one of the most recognizable names in the firearms industry, has revealed that YouTube has taken down their account without any warning or notice. As of this moment, it remains out of commission.
It’s a crushing blow for both the fans of both First Amendment and the Second.
Brownells’ YouTube channel has been terminated without warning or notice.If you’re opposed to the continued attack on…
Posted by Brownells, Inc. on Saturday, June 9, 2018
There is often the argument made in the defense of sites like YouTube that, as privately-owned companies, that they can run businesses as they please.
It’s a tough thing to contemplate, there, because it’s a very compelling point, and I’ll be the first to say that I don’t have all the answers.
I will, however, offer this thought.
Massive sites like Google, YouTube, and Facebook serve in a very different manner than your standard company. They’re public forums, locations in which people gather to express and exchange opinions, and that’s a great thing.
Should these companies not realize the incredible responsibility to allow a free dialogue and flow of information they have put upon themselves?
There is no question that without dissenting voices, these concerted efforts to undermine the First Amendment rights of Second Amendment fans will continue.
The dichotomy between these sites public forums and private corporations will continue to be emphasized, very likely, for quite some time. For now, we need to raise our voices.
Please take a look at the links below — two of the same ones listed in the Brownells posting — and let the YouTube team know we aren’t gong to roll over.
https://www.facebook.com/youtube/
Share this on Facebook and Twitter. This is so important.