The #TikTok ban -- which will likely face years of litigation and may be ultimately turned down by U.S. courts (as it should be) on first amendment and other grounds, reminds me of another dark episode of bipartisan madness decades ago.
Back in the 1980s in particular, "satanic cult" scares spread across the country, the media, and politicians of both parties. Innumerable lives were ruined as innocent people were imprisoned for long periods based on much the same nonsense as during the Salem Witch Trials of the 17th century. The lack of actual evidence in both cases didn't stop the panic.
While the TikTok ban shouldn't force innocent people into prison or result in them being burned at the stake, many lives that are dependent on income related to TikTok would be negatively affected, and a popular communications medium for a vast number of Americans would be cut off -- while the lack of actual evidence to support such drastic actions is glaring.
There is also much hypocrisy in play. Even as President Biden signed the ban, his campaign apparently plans to continue using TikTok! Not a good look Joe. Not good at all. That's the kind of thing we expect from Trump. You're better than that. -L
