EP:13 - Is #FreeSpeech in America Hanging by a Thread??

Provoked with Darryl Cooper and Scott Horton

When tragedy strikes, principles are tested. The assassination of Charlie Kirk has exposed fault lines in how Americans approach free speech, revealing a disturbing willingness to abandon constitutional protections during moments of crisis.
Scott and Daryl navigate this treacherous terrain with nuance, examining how the FCC's targeting of Jimmy Kimmel represents the dangerous "ratchet effect" that consistently expands government power following each national emergency. They argue that maintaining consistent principles isn't just morally correct but strategically essential—abandoning free speech protections today guarantees they'll be weaponized against you tomorrow.
The conversation draws compelling parallels to 1968, when assassinations and political disappointments caused many Americans to lose faith in established channels of protest. When people believe the system has failed them completely, they turn to increasingly radical alternatives, creating unpredictable and often destructive consequences. "People are on the edge in terms of their faith in the system right now," Daryl warns. "It is hanging by the last, thinnest thread in the tapestry."
A particularly fascinating segment explores how America's inconsistent foreign policy has destroyed our international credibility, comparing our national behavior to that of a "psychopath burning bridges everywhere they go." From broken promises with Russia to underhanded dealings with Iran, these betrayals create lasting damage that outlives any administration.
Throughout the episode, Scott and Daryl make a compelling case for decentralization as a practical solution that could appeal across the political spectrum. By returning more decision-making power to local communities, we might reduce the temperature of national politics and create space for actual governance rather than perpetual culture war.
Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation that goes beyond the headlines to examine the deeper currents threatening American society. Subscribe now and join us in exploring how we might preserve our republic in increasingly challenging times.

Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction and Awards
• 6:11 Daryl's Upcoming Enemy Episode
• 15:48 Charlie Kirk Assassination and Free Speech
• 29:17 Government Deterrence vs. Market Pressure
• 42:52 Ukraine War and American Credibility
• 51:27 Conspiracy Theories and Critical Thinking
• 1:10:52 Political Polarization and Social Breakdown
• 1:24:22 Decentralization as a Solution

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