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Hate Speech vs. Free Speech: The Distinction We Must Defend As an expert in communication with 35 years of global experience, I feel compelled to weigh in and clarify the critical, and often misunderstood difference between hate speech and free speech. This confusion is eroding our ability to protect both dignity and democracy. Here’s the distinction: Hate Speech •Intent: To incite harm, violence, or discrimination, deliberately weaponizing words. •Content: Directly targets individuals or groups based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected attributes. •Impact: Silences, marginalizes, and fractures communities. •Key Question: Does it dehumanize, demean, or provoke harm? Free Speech •Intent: To express ideas, challenge norms, or spark dialogue, even if uncomfortable. •Content: Provokes thought or disagreement but respects human dignity. •Impact: Expands debate, strengthens understanding, and reinforces democracy. •Key Question: Does it criticize or question without targeting personal worth? The Crux: Hate speech is a weapon of division. It erodes trust, sows chaos, and undermines freedoms. Free speech, on the other hand, is a cornerstone of progress. It pushes boundaries, fosters dialogue, and safeguards the very freedoms hate speech seeks to destroy. The failure to distinguish between the two is not just ignorance, it’s a threat to societal cohesion. Free speech must remain inviolable, but hate speech must never be tolerated. If we conflate them, we risk losing both. As someone who has dedicated a career to understanding the power of words, I urge leaders, citizens, and law enforcement to recognize this distinction and act decisively. A failure to do so compromises our collective future. #BeWise #SpeechWithPurpose @elonmusk it’s not helpful that your algorithms at X can’t yet distinguish between this, as I often report the most vile hate speech only to be told “We know you’ll be disappointed but” and then finding utter filth acceptable…

I watched-listened & smiled for 2+ days at the @IRONMANtri 70.3 World Tri Champs in Taupo New Zealand. The announcing team captained by @kayeman were beyond outstanding. 12 hour days from 530am through a big day & into awards parties. They set the tone for the energy & passion

With Taylor Knibb, Ashleigh Gentle, Hayden Wilde, and Léo Bergère racing, the 2024 Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Taupō is one you can’t miss. Get the details on when to watch (time zone alert), where to tune in, and who to follow via the link below!

The first Starlink satellite direct to cell phone constellation is now complete. This will enable unmodified cellphones to have Internet connectivity in remote areas. Bandwidth per beam is only ~10Mb, but future constellations will be much more capable.