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OPINION:
The American story is one of radical expression in the face of abject tyranny. Our founders believed that fundamental to the existence of a free and prosperous society is the right to express yourself the way that you see fit. Both the far left and the conservative movement are endowed by the Constitution with this right of self-expression. In practice, however, left-wing radicals are free to practice the right of expression, while sensible, freedom-loving Americans attempting to practice these same liberties are met with hostility, censorship and cancellation.
What does it say about American society that one far-left political movement is allowed and enabled to trample the political expression of the opposition?
This is what I’m asking myself after being stripped of my right of expression at establishments in Texas and Las Vegas.
Early last month, the Southern Star Brewery in Conroe, Texas, canceled a rally designed to shine a light on left-wing censorship of conservative voices. Unfortunately, in doing so, this business engaged in the very type of behavior I had hoped to speak out against. For the last several decades, thought leaders in the conservative movement have been attacked and denied access to the same venues and locales readily available to far-left political agitators, race-baiters and drag show “entertainers.”
American society has truly crumbled to ashes when those seeking to groom and seduce the next generation are enabled and applauded while efforts to defend our First and Second amendments are derided and denied.
Following this censorship in Texas, I planned to fly to Las Vegas to speak at a private reception on the topic of gun rights in America. Sadly, the venue we had chosen, the Venetian Hotel, folded like a house of cards when far-left trolls on social media voiced their discontent. Over two centuries ago, our Founding Fathers risked their lives and careers to win sacred freedoms for all Americans. Today, American business leaders refuse to risk being criticized on Twitter in exchange for those same freedoms.
The radical recapturing of our liberties can occur only when American businesses refuse to bend the knee to left-wing totalitarianism. We must support those businesses that risk their “social credit score” to stand for principles of freedom and open expression. I, for one, have started using PublicSq — a directory of conservative businesses — in order to support people who share my values.
A “parallel economy” is necessary to fight the left-wing control of the public square. While freedom of expression is being stripped away, we still have freedom of choice. It’s insane for conservatives to continue patronizing companies that hate our values. This doesn’t mean retreating and giving up the fight against left-wing institutions. Rest assured, I will never stop fighting or speaking out in defense of our principles.
The First Amendment is especially important to me as millions of Americans supported me when I was wrongfully prosecuted. Yes, the left-wing media pushed lie after lie about me, but I was heartened when I heard prominent conservatives stand by me and proclaim my innocence.
I’ll continue to travel the country and spread the conservative message. I’m sure left-wingers will continue to try to pressure venues to cancel my events. I’m not deterred. I’m used to firing back.
• Kyle Rittenhouse was found innocent on all charges after defending himself during the riots in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
