Steven Crowder Banned from Youtube

 

It came to my attention very recently that Steven Crowder once again had his YouTube partnership pulled from the platform. This was not the first time this has happened. Last time they were banned from uploading, it was because their conflict with the other political YouTube channel, Vox. Nearly everyone on the internet banded to together to criticize the decision. But now, it has happened again.

This brings up the discussion of both Prior Restraints vs Subsequent Punishments and whether a cyber space platform, such as as YouTube should be considered a "Public Accommodation." What's interesting to me is that YouTube will not provide which videos caused the decision according to The Verge.

The Verge

Speech Theories

Among all the speech theories that were presented to me, the first one to stand out and catch my attention would be "Stable Change" theory. This theory dictates that alienated citizens and minorities should be given a means to voice their complaints and opinions with no risk to their life or well being. To me, this falls directly in line with value of majority rules and minority rights. Democracy can be many different things, each with its own pros and cons. However, one thing a democracy should definitely not be is a mob rule. That would be an environment where unpopular opinions get snuffed out, everyone is breaded to be the same, and the majority would operate like a hive mind. That is why this theory is so important. It promotes new and different ideas and people. It promotes the very idea of a progressive society. What would we have if there were no minority rights? Perhaps we could have a government similar to "1984."

This is why I feel that this is the most significant speech theory to our government, or at least the most significant theory to me. The freedom of expression is important. There are multiple places in the Constitution where it is mentioned, such as the freedom of speech and the freedom to petition the government. Disagreement and opposing opinions are a healthy thing for a country. That is what leads to a better future. 

The Supreme Court

One of the first things that stood out to me when watching the videos about the supreme court was just leaning about the statistics, facts like how the court receives over a hundred cases a week. And so the justices must pick and choose which ones to fully review. However, it was also inspiring to learn that every petition is treated with the same amount of weight and importance. Even people in prison can write a petition to the supreme court. Another interesting point to bring up would be how every decision the court make will bind the court in the future, as they must continue to abide by the principles of their decisions. Like what one justice described, "It's like walking in a sidewalk of wet cement." Every step you take has permanent consequences.

Overall, I very much just enjoyed learning about the Supreme Court, what they do, and how they do it. Before, I mostly assumed that the Supreme Court was just like lower courts in the states, but for more important matters that involve the government itself. Now I know that it is more like a court of appeals that reviews whether a law or decision is constitution through petitions.

Sources:
Part I
Part II

News and Information

I can only think of two places where I actively follow political news. I learn about what's going on from various youtube channels I'm subscribed to. I'm not very big at all in politics, and I don't have have any strong opinions regarding most political issues. 

1. My Twitter Feed
Twitter is one of the few places I get news. It's not very active news. I just learn of what's going on from my browsing. I am aware that Twitter is a private organization that censors some voices. It is convenient though. I try to keep that in mind every time I browse.

2. Lowder with Crowder
This is the only real place I follow that actively talks about current events as they happen. He is the "change my mind" guy. Although I watch the videos and livestreams, I don't always have to agree with everything there. I do find him entertaining, the the work he does is interesting. 

3. Servers on Discord
Discord is the place I am on the most. It's not really a direct source of news. But since I am on it the most, I take in a lot information for the different discord servers I'm in, as well as my own.

4. Youtube
Youtube is the primary place I go to to be entertained and consume content. There are multiple channels I follow that talk about current events as they are happening. The mostly stay within events regarding the internet in some way.