Freedom of Speech is not Freedom from Consequence

This won’t resonate with everyone, but everyone needs to hear it.

“Freedom of speech is not freedom from consequences.”

There is a lot of emotion in this conversation. The sudden rush of datacenters - especially in our state of Texas - has led to the feeling of invasion. There are many people articulating this concept really well… but there is also a lingering feeling of unease. We cannot let the feeling of unease lead to disproportionate responses.

Part of this conversation is heavily involving free speech - because the progression of the technology (like Flock cameras and transitions to digital realms) suggest an easier surveillance. But that is not enough to justify certain actions.

There are two big stories going around - and I won’t speak to them directly, but I will share the links.

One is from the video circulating:

https://www.wifr.com/.../dixon-man-accused-intimidating.../?

One is from our state:

https://www.kcentv.com/.../500-ad5e51a7-e274-4020-bdb8...

These cases haven’t shared the exact context yet, but they both claim that there was a credible threat of violence. That is not protected under free speech. That is not a response that can be tolerated when what we are asking others to care about the people of our state. We will all likely follow these stories - but please don’t assume anything until the context is given.

I realize that Luigi Mangione created a cult following of socialist dreams against a felt aristocracy - but our obligation is to follow the legal process, even if others aren’t. We’re working towards a Texas where the next generation gets to have land and continue their dreams. This isn’t a short issue to resolve, but an involved conversation with everyone at the table.

I realize that it feels like there are officials ignoring these concerns. I’m not dismissing that. But we need to continue our side with level heads. It’s time to dig in on the harder things - working on legal avenues, talking to people, engaging when we’d rather stop.

If you’re not comfortable with the boundary of, “no threats of violence” this is not the right page. Because you’re putting families and neighbors in this group at risk. It’s devaluing the work. It’s solving nothing. Please read the article below and consider.

https://adflegal.org/article/speech-not-violence-and-violence-not-speech

We’re in this together and stronger when we work towards real solutions.