Aulds/Shaver
Death and life are in the power of the tongue. The ability to speak is the most powerful tool we as humans possess. While this ability can be used for great good, it can also be used for great evil. The same mouth that encourages people and spreads truth can just as easily destroy relationships and spread lies. That is why freedom of speech is so important — because speech is so powerful. In today's digital world, this power of speech has been greatly amplified, especially online.
We get our message from Proverbs 18:21, which states, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." It seems that in today's day and age, the weightiness of our words has largely been lost with the creation of the internet. Sentences that would have gotten you killed if said in person 100 years ago are now thrown around casually in social media comment sections. This is not how it should be. We as humans, but especially we as Christians, are called to be good stewards of our words. God created the entire universe through the power of speech, so what we say as Christians must be handled with care and intent. That responsibility does not disappear behind a screen; rather, in a world where our words can reach millions instantly, it becomes even more important.
The power of speech is no longer confined to the town squares of the 16th century but has evolved and now echoes across social media, forums, and global networks. This is a double-edged sword. While truth and information have never been more accessible, false information now spreads faster than ever, and with the click of a button, extremist ideas, violent rhetoric, and misinformation can spread worldwide. The advancement of AI and its use in spreading misinformation and disinformation has had real-world consequences. For example, during the war in Ukraine, a deepfake video showed President Zelensky telling his troops to lay down their arms and surrender. In other instances, AI-generated voices have been used to impersonate leaders to deceive people, especially the elderly, into sending money, showing that misinformation isn't just political — it can also be personal. These examples show us that we are not passive observers; we are all responsible for how speech shapes society.
Recognizing these risks, the Compassion Party believes that while protecting citizens' rights of free speech is incredibly important, not all speech is equal. The internet has made it possible to create deepfake videos of the President of the United States appearing to incite international conflict by deploying missiles, and it has also made it possible for people to make terroristic threats from the comfort of their own homes. Never before has it been possible for anyone to communicate anything at any time, and that is incredibly dangerous. Our modern age and advancements in technology now allow anyone to spread threats or manipulate public perception from anywhere. This is why the Compassion Party believes the government should act, with care, to limit these dangers and uphold public safety.
So, in a world where words travel faster than ever, we must recognize that words hold immense power, and we all must be held accountable for what we say. The Aulds/Shaver ticket stands for a future where free speech thrives alongside truth, personal accountability, and ultimately… the common good.