this post was submitted on 07 Jan 2024
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It sounds like you're describing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell". I'm referring to the Florida law limiting the speech of teachers.
OK USA is a crazy place, I remember hearing about that. And I absolutely agree that is wrong.
But that's not to protect children as I see it, that's to protect religious bigotry.
I can see the excuse is that they claim it's to protect the children, but there is nothing to back that up, except religious prejudice.
You're so close to actually understanding the comic with this comment...
Those laws aren't actually meant to protect children. They are meant to LOOK like they are going to protect children. That's why "terrorism" and "kids" are the wrapping paper. The idea is that the media is helping the government to limit speech by making it seem like those limitations are to keep us safer.
If the comic had "PRETEND it's to protect children" and "PRETEND it's for anti terrorism" Then it would be funny, and not free speech absolutism.
But that's not what it says.
That's just not how political cartoons work (in America as least). They are meant to make you stop and think for a moment. Sometimes they are funny too but humor isn't a requirement.
Think about it this way. When you receive the package from the cartoon, the outside of the package (the wrapping paper) is going make you think the thing inside is going to protect kids. However, once you tear away the paper all that has been revealed is something that limits your speech.
"Parental Rights in Education Act" certainly sounds like something that would be meant protect kids. It's the wrapping paper on legislation that limits speech and promotes bigotry.
Oh, and just for the record, I don't think that this is a particularly good political cartoon.
Thank you, my mind may have been clouded by to much idiocy from the likes of Elon Musk and his "I'm a free speech absolutist".
Also Donald Trump and his free speech defense regarding Jan. 6.
Generally it seems USA has a lot of free speech extremists that think everything should be allowed.
The way you describe it, I can see that's not necessarily the case here.