by Mike Smith Some Vermonters have a problem with doublethinking.In George Orwell’s classic novel “1984,” he defines the word “doublethink” as “the power of holding two contradictory beliefs in one’s mind simultaneously, and accepting both of them.”Here’s a relevant example: those that say they believe in the First Amendment of our Constitution — and will often seek its protection of speech, religion, and assembly — but want to restrict or prevent others from exercising those same rights. That’s doublethinking, and both the left and the right engage in it.
For some, prohibiting the speech of those whom they find offensive, or those who express a different opinion, supersedes the constitutionally protected right of speech. Such thinking elevates the act of blocking or restricting unwelcome speech to the same level, or possibly above, the exercise of free speech.
This is dangerous. As Orwell pointed out in his novel, there is a tendency to replace diverse opinions with one-speak, groupthink or, as he called it, “newspeak.” “Newspeak was not only to provide a medium of expression for the world-view and mental habits proper to the devotees of Ingsoc (the fictional societal and governmental structure), but to make all other modes of thought impossible.” In Vermont, where we honor traditions like town meeting, is it possible that doublethinkers would emerge and lead us toward a strict ideological newspeak using protests, petitions and direct action?
Elsewhere we see this trend on college campuses where speakers are bullied, harassed, or disinvited to an event because their politics or views are different than those of vocal students and faculty.
We see organizations desecrating memorials and suppressing the free speech rights of other students — like when Rising Tide leaders destroyed a 9/11 memorial on the Middlebury College campus.
We see governments and institutions attempting to suppress the release of public information because it may be embarrassing, show negligence or criminal behavior.
We see protestors disrupt the legislative process, or regulatory hearings, because they don’t like the direction of the dialogue.
And this past week we saw the short-lived attempt by the Vermont Workers’ Center and state senator and lieutenant governor candidate David Zuckerman to undermine the First Amendment by thwarting Donald Trump’s ability to speak in Burlington with an online petition and planned protest. Wisely, both have since halted their campaign against denying Trump a venue for his speech after considerable backlash from free-speech advocates — many their own supporters.
These efforts to suppress free speech are dangerous and contribute to the toxicity of an already polarized political process.
In an astonishing statement, Senator Zuckerman said, “Free speech isn’t universal.” Certainly, speech isn’t protected when you advocate violence, but for a healthy democracy free speech needs to be almost universal and attempts to constrict it need to be condemned. Senator Zuckerman should be promoting greater free speech and not embracing restrictions to it.
Very few Vermonters have been as critical of Donald Trump’s positions and behavior as I. And yet I will still defend his right to say the things that he does, no matter how stupid or offensive they may be. Why? Because it is an essential and fundamental right that we have as Americans.
Democracy will ultimately fail if it becomes what the political radicals and ideologues want it to be and what Orwell describes as “a nation of warriors and fanatics, marching forward in perfect unity, all thinking the same thoughts and shouting the same slogans, perpetually working, fighting, triumphing, persecuting — three hundred million people all with the same face.”
Diversity of thought, expression, and action are the lifeblood of a thriving democracy. The protection of certain freedoms to maintain that diversity is eloquently stated in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. It would be wise to remember this amendment applies to all Americans, rather than just those that agree with us.
Mike Smith was secretary of administration and secretary of human services under former Gov. Jim Douglas. He is the host of the radio program, “Open Mike with Mike Smith,” on WDEV 550 AM and 96.1, 96.5 and 101.9 FM. He is also a political analyst for WCAX-TV and WVMT radio and is a regular contributor to the Times Argus, Rutland Herald and Vermont Business Magazine. He is a board member of the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts.