10 rules to preserve common sense in the debate about free speech

An open letter published in Harper’s Magazine signed by more than 150 esteemed writers and public intellectuals defending free speech provoked a fierce backlash. Welcome to 2020 social media.

The letter’s signatories declared, “The forces of illiberalism are gaining strength throughout the world and have a powerful ally in Donald Trump, who represents a real threat to democracy,” but warned that the opposition shouldn’t fall into the trap of intolerance and rigid dogma. Some of the signatories were criticized for hypocrisy, given that they had previously allegedly sought dismissal of...