Republican Senator Rand Paul broke with his party to prevent rabid nationalist Senator Josh Hawley from achieving unanimous consent to block TikTok in America. Hawley’s bill “No TikTok on United States Devices Act," would prohibit the app from being downloaded in the US and ban commercial activity with TikTok’s parent company, the China-based ByteDance.
Libertarian Paul pounced proclaiming, "To those who are worried that the Chinese government might somehow now have access to millions of American teenagers’ information, realize that all social media sucks up personal data that people voluntarily provide."
Paul, a fervent free speech advocate, noted Hawleys’ No TikTok bill, if passed, would likely be overturned by the Supreme Court.
"I hope saner minds will reflect on which is more dangerous: videos of teenagers dancing or the precedent of the US government banning speech. For me, it’s an easy answer. I will defend the Bill of Rights against all comers, even, if need be, from members of my own party,”
TikTok…time for Sen. Hawley, among the most vocal in Congress pushing confrontation with China, to drop his fervent opposition to all things Chinese.
Walt Zlotow became involved in antiwar activities upon entering University of Chicago in 1963. He is current president of the West Suburban Peace Coalition based in the Chicago western suburbs. He blogs daily on antiwar and other issues at www.heartlandprogressive.blogspot.com.
Hear, hear! I hope the Senate, when it votes because it has to now, decides to follow the Constitution. A guy can hope, right?
Thank you Rand Paul for standing up for our First Amendment rights.