“In My Opinion”

Speak Up and Speak Freely

At the November 2023 Executive Committee meeting, a motion was proposed to censor speech/prohibit speech of executive committee members. Sadly I was unable to see this occur live, but I spoke with multiple members and read the minutes.

As defined by the ACLU, censorship is, “the suppression of words, images, or ideas that are “offensive,” happens whenever some people succeed in imposing their personal political or moral values on others.” What happened at the last Executive Committee meeting is 100% censorship, pure and simple, regardless of how anyone attempts to wordsmith or play language gymnastics with the text of the motion.

Directly quoting from the meeting minutes: “motion… to prohibit communications by persons on the executive committee of the RPSC via email, speech, handouts or social media, that disparage, criticize, accuse elected republican officials or seek to insight [sic] opposition toward republican elected officials and elected RPSC Executive Committee members.” In my opinion, this motion would make Stalin blush because it crushes any dissenting voice who dares to question the position, vote record or public statements of our elected officials. Regardless of if we agree or disagree on key local, state or federal issues, everyone has a right to be heard.

When the City of Sheboygan issued a gag order on former City Administrator Todd Wolf, the conservative community circled the wagons to support Todd and his right to free speech.

In both instances, the right to speak freely and redress of grievances directed to elected officials is a CONSTITUTIONALLY PROTECTED RIGHT that needs to be fully supported by every member the Republican Party of Sheboygan County. The fact that there are members on the Executive Committee who proposed and seconded the motion to censor free speech is repulsive. Additionally, it seems this motion was directly targeted at a member of the Executive Committee that is a veteran, days after we observed Veterans Day.

“If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.” - George Washington

Patrick Johnson

Editor's Note: The views expressed in this column are not necessarily the opinions of the RPSC. Giving a means to express opinions is at the foundation of our Democracy and the Free Speech Rights set forth in the Constitution of the United States. Other members wishing to express their opinions about the RPSC or matters pertaining to our beliefs can send them to webmaster@sheboygancountygop.com