Perspective: The Canaries are Singing
Bob Evans hears the warning songs, but are we paying attention? Jimmy Kimmel is the latest "canary in the coal mine," a term originating from the practice of miners taking canaries into mines to detect toxic gases.
The President has been criticizing specific individuals, recommending punishment for their speech, and publicly rebuking certain reporters on TV during press conferences.
- The FCC Commissioner has threatened Jimmy Kimmel and ABC, with Senator Ted Cruz comparing the tone to that of a "mob boss."
- The Pentagon has announced it will only accredit reporters who accept pre-publication scrutiny.
- The White House has revoked credentials of disfavored reporters, transferring press passes to favored ones, resulting in softer press conference questions, according to veteran reporters.
The canaries are singing, but who's listening?
Author's summary: Warning signs of suppressed speech are being ignored.