I will play devil’s advocate. Media outlets are scared of being sued for defamation or scrutinised for what may turn out to be misleading news. That’s why there are always referring to “sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity” or adopt a mild language to refer to something. But if I am a news publisher, I would describe Musk’s gesture as “appears to be Nazi salute” or to that effect. It is still calling it out as it is, but I would still have plausible deniability.
I see your point … Fear of retribution through the FCC is now a real thing. This is how it begins though - first they ban free speech and any dissent and then the ones that still stand up will be disappeared.
Plus it’s likely that if you post any criticism of Musk whatsoever you get a lawsuit automatically. That’s what rich people do. They can afford it. Its like having a VPN or an alarm system on your house. They send their lawyers.
I will play devil’s advocate. Media outlets are scared of being sued for defamation or scrutinised for what may turn out to be misleading news. That’s why there are always referring to “sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity” or adopt a mild language to refer to something. But if I am a news publisher, I would describe Musk’s gesture as “appears to be Nazi salute” or to that effect. It is still calling it out as it is, but I would still have plausible deniability.
I see your point … Fear of retribution through the FCC is now a real thing. This is how it begins though - first they ban free speech and any dissent and then the ones that still stand up will be disappeared.
Plus it’s likely that if you post any criticism of Musk whatsoever you get a lawsuit automatically. That’s what rich people do. They can afford it. Its like having a VPN or an alarm system on your house. They send their lawyers.