Podcast Summary: "Civil Liberties Under Attack" – The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Release Date: May 16, 2020

Introduction

In the episode titled "Civil Liberties Under Attack," host Ben Ferguson engages in a profound discussion with Senator Ted Cruz, delving into the pressing concerns surrounding the erosion of civil liberties in the United States. The conversation traverses topics from political overreach and judicial misconduct to the role of Big Tech in censoring free speech, providing listeners with a comprehensive analysis of the current socio-political landscape.

1. Obamagate and Judicial Overreach

The episode opens with Senator Cruz addressing the controversial Michael Flynn case, labeling it a "huge miscarriage of justice." He criticizes the actions of federal judges, accusing them of aligning with partisan objectives to undermine the Trump administration.

• Key Discussion Points:

  • Miscarriage of Justice: Cruz emphasizes the flawed investigation and prosecution of Michael Flynn, asserting that the FBI and DOJ mishandled the case from the outset.
  • Judicial Bias: He condemns federal judges for behaving like members of the "resistance," thereby politicizing the judiciary.

• Notable Quote:

  • "This is grotesque. It is a violation of civil liberties." (06:37)

2. ACLU's Role and Partisanship

Senator Cruz critiques the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), suggesting that it has become overtly partisan and no longer upholds its foundational mission to defend civil liberties impartially.

• Key Discussion Points:

  • ACLU's Alleged Partisanship: Cruz accuses the ACLU of selectively defending civil liberties, siding only with Republicans or non-Democrat victims.
  • Inconsistencies in Advocacy: He highlights perceived hypocrisies, such as the ACLU's stance on Betsy DeVos versus its silence on allegations against Democrats like Joe Biden.

• Notable Quote:

  • "ACLU isn't doing that anymore. Where is the ACLU and Michael Flynn?" (13:22)

3. Civil Liberties in the COVID-19 Pandemic

The conversation shifts to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on civil liberties, with a focus on lockdown measures, mask mandates, and government overreach.

• Key Discussion Points:

  • Lockdowns and Power Grabs: Cruz criticizes various state and local governments for arbitrary power expansions during the pandemic, questioning the indefinite nature of such measures.
  • Police Enforcement: He recounts an incident where a woman was forcibly removed for not wearing a mask, condemning the heavy-handed tactics employed by law enforcement.

• Notable Quote:

  • "These authoritarian tyrants believe in government power. They hate liberty." (18:08)

4. Big Tech Censorship and Free Speech

Senator Cruz addresses the growing concern over Big Tech companies silencing dissenting voices, framing it as a threat to democracy and free speech.

• Key Discussion Points:

  • Censorship Practices: Cruz cites instances where platforms like YouTube and Google have removed content that doesn't align with their policies, likening their actions to "European style censorship."
  • Legislative Solutions: He advocates for legislative measures such as repealing Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and pursuing antitrust litigation to curb Big Tech's monopoly power.

• Notable Quote:

  • "Google, they used to have their motto be do no evil. Now I think they've just deleted the first two words. Now their motto is just evil." (28:10)

5. Mailbag and Listener Questions

Towards the episode's conclusion, Senator Cruz addresses questions from listeners, further elaborating on his views regarding civil liberties and ongoing societal issues.

• Key Discussion Points:

  • Ahmaud Arbery Case: Cruz acknowledges the troubling nature of the case, advocating for due process and a thorough examination of evidence before drawing conclusions.
  • Social Media Suppression: He reiterates his stance on combating Big Tech censorship through both legislative action and private legal endeavors.

• Notable Quote:

  • "We need to do much more to go after Big Tech. That includes potentially repealing section 230 of the Communications Decency act." (29:07)

Conclusion

The episode "Civil Liberties Under Attack" presents a fervent critique of perceived systemic abuses affecting civil liberties in the United States. Through an incisive dialogue with Senator Ted Cruz, Ben Ferguson explores the intersection of politics, judiciary actions, and technological influence, underscoring the need for vigilance in preserving constitutional freedoms. Listeners are left with a compelling perspective on the challenges facing civil liberties today and the imperative for proactive measures to safeguard them.

Noteworthy Quotes with Timestamps

• "This is grotesque. It is a violation of civil liberties." – Ted Cruz (06:37)
• "ACLU isn't doing that anymore. Where is the ACLU and Michael Flynn?" – Ted Cruz (13:22)
• "These authoritarian tyrants believe in government power. They hate liberty." – Ted Cruz (18:08)
• "Google, they used to have their motto be do no evil. Now I think they've just deleted the first two words. Now their motto is just evil." – Ted Cruz (28:10)
• "We need to do much more to go after Big Tech. That includes potentially repealing section 230 of the Communications Decency act." – Ted Cruz (29:07)

Final Thoughts

For those seeking an in-depth understanding of the current debates surrounding civil liberties, "Civil Liberties Under Attack" offers a thought-provoking analysis. The episode underscores the importance of maintaining a balance between security measures and individual freedoms, urging listeners to remain informed and engaged in the defense of constitutional rights.