> If you believe in liberal values (with a small l), like freedom of speech, you lead by example

America is ridiculously pro free speech. That doesn’t mean we must then tolerate libel, slander, fraud, false advertising, breach of contract, et cetera because someone screams free speech.

The Bill of Rights exists in balances, and the First Amendment is balanced, among other the things, with the nation’s requirement to exist. That doesn’t mean the Congress can ban speech. But it can certainly regulate media properties, including by mandating maximum foreign ownership fractions.

> America is ridiculously pro free speech

Except for one group of people which have made any criticism of them carry legal consequences

Yes. They made it illegal even to stop buying their products!

Oh, which group did you have in mind?

The ones you can't boycott, divest, or sanction and hold a public sector job in many states.

Why won't you say it out loud?

I'm trying not to derail the conversation by saying the state of Israel, and its lobbying apparatus.

> one group of people which have made any criticism of them carry legal consequences

Jews? You know we have other federally-protected classes, correct?

If you’re referring to Israel, no, there aren’t legal consequences for criticising Israel. Half of the vocal minority of the internet is constantly up in arms about Israel.

30+ states have anti-BDS statutes that make it a crime to criticize Israel.

You mean make it a violation to boycott israel

A boycott is a form of protest.

The "example" being banning things for nebulous reasons? If anything this is the US following China's lead in restricting what software their citizens can access.