Law enforcement veteran Michael Letts explains why Americans should be concerned over this potential bill.
These days, everyone has the power of free speech at their side. However, if a new controversial bill makes its way through the Senate, that could very well change.
Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson has begun pushing a new bill that fights back against what he deems is “domestic extremism.” With it, according to Fox News, it would be about “proactively fighting misinformation” while also showing “early signs of radicalization.”
But Liv Finne, director of education for the Washington Policy Center, sees a huge problem with this bill. “This bill will create a two-tiered justice system where some people have free speech and others don’t, and that is a dangerous path for us to be set upon,” she explained.
The bill, dubbed SHB 1333, has the support of least two dozen Democrats, who feel that it would prevent acts of violence depending on the online behavior of certain citizens. “We want to figure out how to prevent it before it happens because once the violence happens, everybody’s gonna suffer the consequences,” said Rep. Bill Ramos.
Finne added, “It’s obvious that this is targeting certain groups in our society without basis. Speech is not violence. Violence is violence. To equate the two is outrageous and wrong.”
With us now to discuss this further is Michael Letts, a law enforcement veteran with over 30 years of experience under his belt. Letts serves as founder, CEO and president of InVest USA, an organization that provides bulletproof vests to police officers through various sponsorships and charitable groups. His expertise should prove useful in this matter.
Q&A:
- How important are rights to free speech nowadays, especially with today’s social media channels being the way they are?
- Do you believe that some speech could, in fact, pose a certain danger? Especially when it comes to “active shooters” posting manifestos or signs of disturbing behavior?
- There seems to be a number of Democrats behind the bill, but there’s not any word from Republicans. Are you surprised by this, or does it make sense?
- By creating a two-tier free-speech system, could this bill violate the Constitutional rights of U.S. citizens? Especially when it comes to usage of social media?
- What kind of separatism do you think could exist from the bill? Certain people being able to say what they want, while others are extremely limited? Who would be the judge of such a thing?
- We hear you recently announced a donation to police officers in the Atlanta area to support them through the current “cop city” riots. Tell us more about that, and how others can help.
- You’re the creator of InVest USA, an organization that provides bulletproof vests to police officers through various charitable groups and sponsorships. Tell us more about that, and why support for fellow officers is so important right now.
- Where can we learn more about InVest USA, and how those interested can help their fellow officers.
You can visit our official InVest USA website, and learn more on the official Invest USA Twitter account.
About Michael Letts:
Michael Letts is the Founder, President, and CEO of InVest USA, a national grassroots non-profit organization that is helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bulletproof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs. He also has over 30 years of law enforcement experience under his belt, hence his pro-police stance for his brothers and sisters in blue. Those interested in learning more about Letts can visit his official website here.
CONTACT: Jerry McGlothlin at: geraldmcg@outlook.com or 919-437-0001.
