SC GOP state Senator defends “freedom of speech”. Criticizes government silencing efforts

In a recent opinion editorial in the Charleston Post and Courier, South Carolina state Senator Sean Bennett (R-Dorchester County) wrote:"ABC’s suspension of the late-night host after his crude remarks on the murder of Charlie Kirk was greeted by some with applause. Even President Donald Trump called it 'great news for America.' I cannot agree."Senator Bennett talks with podcast host Frank Knapp about his passion to defend freedom of speech and his criticism of federal government efforts to silence opinion it deems unacceptable.Senator Bennett, who chairs the Senate Ethics Commission, shared his concern that the country is in a scary place on polarization and the demonization of people who don’t agree with us. He points to causes including political campaigning, lack of teaching civics at all levels of education, and social media, which he says that he would eliminate if it was in his power.The Senator ends his opinion editorial with this:"Free speech will not survive on sentiment alone. It needs citizens who know why it matters, leaders who will defend it even when unpopular and institutions that will teach its roots in our civilization."