Episode Summary: Ep. 230: Wilson vs. FDR: Who Was Worse for Free Speech?

So to Speak: The Free Speech Podcast, hosted by Nico Perino and brought to you by FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression), delves into a comparative analysis of two pivotal American presidents—Woodrow Wilson and Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR)—to determine who had a more adverse impact on free speech in the United States.

Introduction

The episode opens with a discussion on the historical context of free speech under Presidents Woodrow Wilson and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Nico Perino sets the stage by referencing a viral thread by FIRE that critiques Wilson's administration for its suppression of anti-war activists, labor organizers, and women's suffrage advocates. This thread challenges the traditionally high esteem in which Wilson was held, noting a decline in his ranking among historians and institutions distancing themselves from his legacy.

Guest Introductions

• Christopher Cox: A former House Representative with extensive experience, Cox represents the Wilson side. He has authored a new book titled "Woodrow Wilson, the Light Withdrawn." His background includes roles as chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Senior Associate Counsel to President Ronald Reagan.

• Professor David T. Beto: A research fellow at the Independent Institute and professor emeritus at the University of Alabama, Beto represents the FDR side. He authored "The New Deal's War on the Bill of Rights: The Untold Story of FDR's Concentration Camps, Censorship, and Mass Surveillance."

Woodrow Wilson's Free Speech Record

Christopher Cox provides an in-depth examination of Wilson's presidency, particularly focusing on his actions during World War I:

• Espionage and Sedition Acts: Wilson signed and expanded these acts, which criminalized speech opposing the war effort or the government. This led to the arrest and imprisonment of individuals, including women suffragists like Alice Paul and Lucy Burns, who were peacefully protesting for voting rights. These actions effectively suppressed dissent and stifled free expression.

• Committee on Public Information (CPI): Wilson established the CPI as a propaganda arm to unify public support for the war. The CPI pressured media outlets to censor criticism of the administration, leading to widespread self-censorship among journalists.

• Suppression of Suffragists: Cox highlights instances where Wilson's administration not only neglected to protect suffragists from violent mobs but actively arrested them for exercising their legal rights. This suppression extended to restricting the suffragists' ability to participate in international advocacy, such as lobbying at the Paris Peace Conference.

• Palmer Raids and Red Scare: Towards the end of Wilson's presidency, the Palmer Raids targeted suspected radicals and led to mass arrests and deportations, further infringing on civil liberties.

Notable Points:

• Wilson's direct involvement in censorship and suppression of free speech.
• The use of government power to silence peaceful protesters.
• Long-term impacts, including the decline in Wilson's historical reputation and institutional renaming to distance from his legacy.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Free Speech Record

Professor David T. Beto shifts the focus to FDR, arguing that his administration had a more detrimental effect on free speech:

• Influence of Woodrow Wilson and Theodore Roosevelt: FDR was heavily influenced by his predecessors, adopting similar stances on civil liberties, which he enforced more aggressively.

• Black Committee and Mass Surveillance: Under FDR, the Black Committee conducted extensive surveillance, gathering millions of private communications from government officials, infringing on privacy and free speech.

• Suppression of Anti-New Deal Voices: FDR utilized his influence over the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and other entities to silence opposition, effectively removing critical voices from network radio by 1938.

• Japanese Internment Camps: FDR's administration authorized the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, a severe violation of civil liberties with lasting repercussions.

• Sedition Trials and the Smith Act: The administration pursued mass sedition trials, targeting individuals and publications opposing the war effort. These trials were often baseless and intended to suppress dissent.

• Lack of Regret: Unlike some leaders who have expressed remorse for civil liberties violations, FDR showed no signs of regret, continuing to prioritize wartime measures over constitutional rights.

Notable Points:

• FDR's proactive measures to suppress free speech went beyond Wilson's.
• The extensive use of surveillance and censorship under his administration.
• The enduring negative impact on civil liberties, particularly for marginalized groups.

Comparative Analysis and Discussion

The conversation between Cox and Beto underscores the profound impact both presidents had on free speech, albeit in different contexts and scales:

• Wilson vs. FDR: While Wilson laid the groundwork for governmental suppression of free speech through the Espionage and Sedition Acts, FDR expanded these measures, applying them more systematically and intensively during both the Great Depression and World War II.

• Contextual Differences: The wartime contexts of both administrations facilitated justifications for suppressing dissent. However, FDR operated in a more complex media landscape and utilized more sophisticated mechanisms for censorship and surveillance.

• Legacy and Accountability: Both presidents left controversial legacies regarding civil liberties, but FDR's actions, particularly the internment camps and extensive censorship, are portrayed as more egregious by Beto. Cox acknowledges that while Wilson's actions set a precedent, FDR took these measures further.

Impact on Civil Liberties Organizations

The episode also touches on the formation and evolution of civil liberties organizations in response to these administrations:

• Post-Wilson Era: The backlash against Wilson's suppression activities spurred the creation of organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which became instrumental in defending free speech in subsequent decades.

• FDR’s Era: Despite initial support from some civil libertarians, FDR's administration led to significant pushback, further galvanizing organizations dedicated to protecting constitutional rights.

Regrets and Reflection

Both presidents exhibited little to no regret for their stances on free speech:

• Wilson: Remained vindictive and unsupportive of those who opposed his policies, even post-presidency, refusing to pardon figures like Eugene V. Debs.

• FDR: Demonstrated no remorse for actions like Japanese internment or the aggressive suppression of dissent, maintaining his policies despite growing opposition.

Conclusion

In concluding the episode, Perino invites listeners to reflect on the substantial roles Wilson and FDR played in shaping the landscape of free speech in America. While both administrations significantly curtailed free expression, the debate centers on whether FDR's actions were more severe due to their expansive and systematic nature.

Final Thoughts:

• The suppression of free speech during both presidencies had lasting impacts on American civil liberties.
• The actions of Wilson and FDR highlight the fragile nature of free expression during times of national crisis.
• Understanding this history is crucial for contemporary discussions on free speech and governmental overreach.

Recommended Reading:

• Woodrow Wilson, the Light Withdrawn by Christopher Cox
• The New Deal's War on the Bill of Rights by David T. Beto

Listeners are encouraged to engage with the content, share their perspectives, and explore the recommended readings to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding free speech under these influential presidencies.