Critics pounce after Public Citizen suggests that Elon Musk is a free speech hypocrite because he blocked the organization on Twitter



Public Citizen has suggested that Elon Musk is not truly dedicated to the principle of free speech because he blocked the organization's account on Twitter.

"FYI: We’re blocked by Elon Musk. So much for being 'committed' to free speech," the advocacy group tweeted.

A screenshot included in the tweet shows a message from Twitter that says, "You are blocked from following @elonmusk and viewing @elonmusk's Tweets."

Many people on the social media platform pushed back against the suggestion that Musk's choice to block the account represented a violation of the principles of free speech.

"No. This is what free speech looks like. @ElonMusk doesn't have to listen to you. Free speech doesn't mean everyone has to listen to everyone else. It means that people are allowed to speak, and those who want to hear can show up, if they want," Justin Haskins remarked in response to Public Citizen's post. Glenn Beck and Haskins coauthored the book, "The Great Reset: Joe Biden and the Rise of 21st Century Fascism."

No. This is what free speech looks like. @ElonMusk doesn't have to listen to you. Free speech doesn't mean everyone has to listen to everyone else. It means that people are allowed to speak, and those who want to hear can show up, if they want.
— Justin T. Haskins (@Justin T. Haskins) 1651053672

"His choice to not listen to you has no effect on your ability to speak freely and be heard by others," Babylon Bee CEO Seth Dillon tweeted.

"Free speech isn't forcing someone to listen to you, it's the freedom to say what you want in the public square. Weird that this has to be pointed out to grown people," Brandon Morse of RedState tweeted.

"Is everyone stupid? #FreeSpeech means you get to be on the platform. It does not mean everyone is forced to listen to you," radio host Mark Davis tweeted.

Musk, a wealthy business tycoon who recently struck a deal to purchase Twitter, has said that he plans to make the platform a place where people can engage in free speech.

"I hope that even my worst critics remain on Twitter, because that is what free speech means," Musk tweeted on Monday.

According to the Public Citizen website the outfit "is a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization that champions the public interest in the halls of power. We defend democracy, resist corporate power and work to ensure that government works for the people – not for big corporations," the group's website declares.

Transgender cyclist blocked from women's championship race after boycott threats from biologically female contestants



A transgender female cyclist was blocked from participating in the women’s British National Omnium Championship over the weekend, as Emily Bridges is still registered as a male cyclist, the Guardian reported.

In addition, a number of the race's participants were said to be ready to boycott the race if Bridges was in it, the outlet added.

What are the details?

Bridges, 21, set a national junior men’s record over 25 miles in 2018, the Guardian said, adding that the cyclist began hormone therapy last year to reduce testosterone levels.

However, a number of biological female cyclists discussed boycotting Saturday's event because they believed Bridges has an unfair advantage, the outlet said, adding that Bridges was involved with the Great Britain Academy program as a male cyclist until being dropped in 2020.

In addition, Bridges is still registered as a male cyclist and can't race as a woman until the male ID expires, according to Union Cycliste Internationale regulations, the Guardian said.

How did Bridges react?

Bridges was “disappointed” with UCI’s decision, the outlet said.

“We have been in close discussions with the UCI regarding Emily’s participation this weekend and have also engaged closely with Emily and her family regarding her transition and involvement in elite competitions,” British Cycling said, according to the Guardian. “We acknowledge the decision of the UCI with regards to Emily’s participation, however we fully recognize her disappointment with today’s decision.”

A comprehensive scientific review by the five British sports councils in September said there were “retained differences in strength, stamina, and physique between the average woman compared with the average transgender woman or non-binary person registered male at birth."

Trans cyclist banned from national championshipsyoutu.be

Anything else?

Transgender female athletes competing against biological female athletes has been a growing issue on the world stage, particularly over the last year with transgender weightlifter Laurel Hubbard going to the Olympic Games and transgender swimmer Lia Thomas competing in last month's NCAA women's championships. Hubbard didn't win in Tokyo, but Thomas was victorious in one swimming event.

Podcaster Joe Rogan said last week that Thomas' participation is an "assault on women's sports."

President Joe Biden's administration reportedly soon will overhaul rules for college athletes to favor transgender participants; Title IX — a 1972 law that bans sex discrimination in education — also will outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

(H/T: The Daily Wire)