Interview guest: Blake Harbin, CEO of Houzzle Financial
Interview Introduction:
For the first time in its 18-year history, Facebook lost close to 500,000 subscribers over the last three months. As a result, the parent company’s stock, Meta, plummeted 26%, shaving more than $220 billion of its value. That’s more than one-fifth of a TRILLION dollars lost in one day. This freefall comes on the heels of Facebook blocking US Trucker’s from their social media site for allegedly violating established policies. Watch out. US Truckers are now organizing a convoy to Washington, DC, similar to the movement sweeping across Canada. Some people speculate that limbo music might be in order for the newly named Meta stock: “How long can you go?”
The move by Facebook has triggered a substantial backlash by Americans and questions of outright censorship. What’s more, this latest move by a big tech firm to suppress freedom of speech could hardly be more ill-timed as lawmakers debate removing essential protections for these companies. And adding insult to injury, it’s just two weeks before Donald Trump’s planned launch of his new social media network, Truth Social.
A social media site founded one year before Facebook in 2003 that enjoyed such fast growth it seemed invisible. What was their name again? Oh, that’s right: MySpace.com. Could Facebook be on the same trajectory? Does Mark Zuckerberg know something we don’t know that caused him to rename Facebook “Meta?”
Helping us answer these questions and more is Blake Harbin, CEO of Houzzle Financial, and a Republican Congressional Candidate for the 6th district in Georgia. Blake urges Republicans to fight censorship by big tech organizations and says his mission is to break up the monopolistic stronghold of these companies. Censorship has already become one of the central issues. Republicans are using the suppression of free speech as a key talking point as we approach the midterm elections in November. Welcome, Blake Harbin.
Suggested Q&A:
How vulnerable is Facebook?
Pretty vulnerable, as this Feb. 3 loss was historic, and it can be the beginning of the end if they continue catering to only half the nation. On the other hand, they may rebound but crater even bigger next time. Like earthquakes, you don’t always know the pre-quake, the earthquake, or the aftershock.
Why are big tech companies “censoring” so many people and organizations?Big tech has the power to do it. Currently, the laws protect them. Section 230, when codified into our law, gave technology companies virtual immunity from their actions. Democrats are shilling for big tech because it serves their interests of remaining in power.
Facebook’s parent company stock tanked. Do you believe this is a reaction to censorship? The American people are lashing back. We have enabled big tech, promoted its apps, and left their actions unquestioned for far too long. Americans are angry. They want to fight back and win back their right to free speech. I wholeheartedly agree.
If Republicans reclaim Congress this Fall, do you believe they will change the current laws protecting big tech? The short answer is a resounding ‘yes’, but I want to be clear. I will certainly fight to ensure that free speech is protected and Americans are safe from censorship.
The Canadian truckers have used their freedom of speech to stage a successful protest across Canada following the anger of COVID restrictions. Facebook recently banned US truckers from organizing protests on their social media platform. What does this say about American democracy?
Democracy is not easy. You have to want it and fight for it. This worthy fight is happening in Canada. Likewise, we cannot allow big tech in the US to diminish our democracy at home. Lest we forget, when exiting the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin was asked what sort of government the delegates created. His seven-word answer was: “A republic if you can keep it.”
How can people learn more about your campaign or get involved? Please visit my campaign website at blakeharbin.com and follow me on Twitter @blakeharbinGA.
About Blake
Blake Harbin is the CEO of Houzzle Financial, a mortgage lending company in the Southeast. He has been a small business owner for more than two decades and is an expert in the real estate industry. Blake is running as a candidate for Georgia’s 6th Congressional District in 2022.
CONTACT: Jerry McGlothlin of Special Guests PR. 919-437-0001 jerry@specialguests.com or Celinda Hawkins 432-349 – 2736 at jerry.specialguests@gmail.com.
