With Enemies Like These, Who Needs TikTok?
Conservatives and libertarians have chosen a weird hill to die on
If there's one thing I've learned in life, it's that hypocrisy in politics is as common as junk mail. Let's talk about the elephant in the room: TikTok.
Suddenly, U.S. lawmakers and conservative figures are tripping over themselves to defend this Chinese-owned app.
But why the sudden change of heart?
Back in 2021, when Parler, an American-based platform, was being kicked to the curb by Amazon, Apple, and Google, where were these defenders? Crickets.
For many of you, you probably joined this email list because you first encountered me on Parler, where I had worked in 2020. I’ve often called this Substack a home for the “Parler refugees” who supported me and stuck by me, but I digress.
Parler was deplatformed because it didn't align with the woke agenda these tech giants love to push, but there was little to no outcry from the political right. No one stood up to defend free speech then because in 2021, that would have been a career death sentence.
Send me death threats, nudes (10’s only), and criticisms on X at @heyremso.
Stuff I Read This Week
James Uthmeier: From Small Town Destin to Big Time Attorney General
Need Some Fast Cash? 17 Ways to Make Good Money Over the Weekend
Small Business Resources
FREE eBook: The Small Business Owner’s Digital Marketing Handbook
Social Media Marketing Fundamentals for Small Business Owners
Now, fast forward to today, and we see TikTok under the microscope. The same lawmakers who sat idly by during the Parler debacle “because of free markets” are now up in arms about government intervention with TikTok.
Why? Because it's politically expedient to rail against China, especially when it's about data privacy and national security. But let's not kid ourselves - this isn't about protecting Americans; it's about political posturing.
If it was truly about free speech or protecting American companies, they would have fought for Parler with the same vigor. Instead, they've shown their true colors: they'll defend anything that gives them a shot at looking patriotic or tough on China, even if it means ignoring their principles when it's inconvenient.
So here's the lesson, folks: Consistency is key. If you're going to stand for something, stand for it all the time. Not just when it's popular or politically beneficial.
Send me death threats, nudes (10’s only), and criticisms on X at @heyremso.