Do the nationalist right support free-speech?

Clearly not in Brazil:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/oct/22/brazils-jair-bolsonaro-says-he-would-put-army-on-streets-to-fight

Bolsonaro is part of the 'nationalist international' which includes figures like Tommy Robinson, Viktor Orban and the radical fringe of Trump supporters. They are the first to complain about alleged censorship whenever they are denied a platform to speak. When they take power, they put their enemies in prison.

These are worrying times when a country of 200 million hurtles straight into a dictatorship. His campaign complains about fake news, say political opponents are enemies of the people and shows open contempt for political process or civic norms. Breitbart has given him some positive write-ups.

This is not Trump because Bolsonaro has concrete links to the Brazilian army and because Brazilian institutions are not strong enough to resist his actions. I can't see him as being ideologically different to Trump though.

A horrible question I know but; could this happen in America someday?

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Northwest · M

We're a country of 325M, and our President, yesterday said he's a Nationalist. He also said that the press is the enemy of the people.

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Northwest · M

@Burnley123 You're not being dramatic. Trump admires every single dictator out there, and is showing it publicly.

I used to think that our institutions provide enough protections, but then came Kavanaugh, who was confirmed to the SCOTUS, despite throwing a public fit, and hinting that he's going to get revenge, and the last word. Trump may be able to nominate 2 more judges, not too long form now, making it 7-2.

SmartKat · 56-60, F

@Burnley123 I hope you’re right about our institutions...

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SmartKat · 56-60, F

The whole world seems to be going down the tubes. Far-right politics f&cked us all back in the 1930s and 40s. Do we *really* have to do it again?

Xuan12 · 31-35, M

In fascist nations you are very free to speak, as long as what you're speaking is great praise for the great leader.

Picklebobble2 · 56-60, M

Not to quite the same degree but with disenfranchising those who think and openly speak differently; refusal to entertain the press and 'back-door' law changes introduced; seconded; debated and passed in near empty chambers in either house.... Yep !

33person · 26-30, M

Richard Spencer is on camera saying he does not believe in free speech, but that they need to take advantage of free speech right now to spread their message.

Burnley123 · 41-45, M

@33person I believe that and I'm not surprised. He's also said:

The people he mentions have a million followers each and get interviewed by Dave Ruben. All the time; the framing of the debate is about 'the left's' problem with intolerance of 'free speech' and 'divergent views'. Gullible centrists and libertarians fall for it and are enabling far-right ideas to creep into the mainstream.

I think there are international lessons for what is happening Brazil. Obviously, something like that is more likely to happen in a country with a history of dictatorship but it could happen in the west to one day. The same forces are at play.

MarineBob · 56-60, M

Free speech is almost as good as the repercussions that goes with it

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MarineBob · 56-60, M

Not at all. Trample my flag get a ass whipping, take part in a protest that results in damage to public or private property don't cry when you are in jail

Burnley123 · 41-45, M

@MarineBob I wouldn't trample your flag but your views seem to run against the idea of free speech. If someone destroys an American symbol as a protest (if it is their property) or they kneel during an anthem...

I don't expect you to agree and you can criticise people for doing that but surely they have a right to protest?

MarineBob · 56-60, M

They can protest all they want as long as it is a peaceful one

whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M

Of course it COULD.. But I dont see it. Unless the Supreme court starts cutting the freedoms out of the right on others.

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