German police are cracking down on “hate speech” online by conducting raids against alleged online trolls. One of the raids was highlighted on a recent episode of CBS 60 Minutes. If a person is suspected of posting something that is untrue or offensive, they are subject to a physical police raid. During the raid, police will confiscate electronics. The usual punishment is a fine but prison time is the next step for repeat offenders.
Such a state of affairs is what USA Vice President JD Vance spoke about during a recent speech in Europe. Freedom of Speech is a pillar upon which the United States stands, however, this right is not necessarily a given in European countries. People have been prosecuted in Europe for doing things like praying to themselves near an abortion clinic. Vance’s speech was totally correct, but admonished as “unacceptable” by many European leaders.
