The Cato Institute, a public policy think tank “dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace” has released polling results indicating that nearly two-thirds of Americans censor themselves from expressing their political opinions because others might find them offensive. The poll shows that 77% of Republicans, 59% of Independents, and 52% of Democrats resist sharing their beliefs. However, Cato says, “Strong liberals stand out, however, as the only political group who feel they can express themselves. Nearly 6 in 10 (58%) of staunch liberals feel they can say what they believe.” Worse yet, people want to prevent the employment of those who don’t agree with them.
Cato reports, “The survey found that many Americans think a person’s private political donations should impact their employment. Nearly a quarter (22%) of Americans would support firing a business executive who personally donates to Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden’s campaign. Even more, 31% support firing a business executive who donates to Donald Trump’s re‐election campaign. Support rises among political subgroups. Support increases to 50% of strong liberals who support firing executives who personally donate to Trump. And more than a third (36%) of strong conservatives support firing an executive for donating to Biden’s presidential campaign.”
This trend is even more pronounced among American youth. Cato finds: “Young Americans are also more likely than older Americans to support punishing people at work for personal donations to Trump. Forty‐four percent (44%) of Americans under 30 support firing executives if they donate to Trump. This share declines to 22% among those over 55 years old—a 20‐point difference. An age gap also exists for Biden donors, but is less pronounced. Twenty‐seven percent (27%) of Americans under 30 support firing executives who donate to Biden compared to 20% of those over 55—a 7‐point difference.” We can see the growing trend of political intolerance and ideological bigotry taking place before our very eyes.
This is crazy that those living in a free country with guarantees of freedom of speech and of religion should be gagged for fear of losing their source of income, their ability to sustain themselves and their families, over political beliefs, which often translate to their religious beliefs. Yet, one can see that the most radical elements enthusiastically embrace this tyranny. Ephesians 6 tells us in verses 19 and 20, “And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly as I ought to speak.” The times are fast approaching when we may well be persecuted for speaking boldly. Are you prepared?
