This website is not about politics and nor are my social media channels but there comes a time when decisions have to made and we’re approaching one of those right now.
The new boss of Twitter, Elon Musk, has decided to allow ex-President Donald Trump back onto Twitter. Trump was kicked off Twitter not just because he’s a racist, misogynist bully but also because he used the platform to extend the thousands of outright lies he spewed as President of the United States. He is a dangerous, divisive figure who cares nothing for anyone but himself.
The argument is that free speech must be protected at all costs, and I agree with that. But with free speech comes a duty to not hate, to not spread lies and to not use the right of free speech to hurt. All of these Trump did without a care, in fact he uses division, hatred and lies to create a power base for himself. He is supported by a cabal of right wing nut-jobs who use free speech and open democracy to enrich themselves and to shut down opposition.
Elon Musk has taken, in my opinion, a cynical decision to allow Trump back onto Twitter knowing full well that Trump will use the platform to further divide the leading democracy in the world.
I use Twitter both to promote my music and to promote my business but I won’t continue to use the platform if Trump starts to post on Twitter again.
My decision will mean nothing to Musk or Trump but it is the least I can do to register my profound disgust at allowing the evil that is Donald Trump back onto Twitter.