Greg Kearney and I argued in the Washington Examiner yesterday that it was vital to keep Elon Musk and speech free. In the style of a report from George Orwell’s 1984, here is how Musk’s “ultimate correction” might be reported if we fail.
***
Newspeak Report: The Detainment and Ultimate Correction of Elon Musk
In the year 2024, the Party has taken decisive action against the spread of dangerous and subversive ideas that threatened the very foundation of our society. It is with great pride that we announce the arrest and correction of Elon Musk, the former overseer of the X platform. His arrest marks a significant victory in our continuous war against thoughtcrime, misinformation, and hate.
Elon Musk, now classified as an Enemy of the People, was apprehended by the Thought Police under the newly enacted Thoughtcrime Prevention Act. His offense was clear: through the X platform, he allowed and even encouraged the spread of untruths, doublethink, and thoughtcrime. The platform became a breeding ground for dissent, rebellion, and chaos—a place where citizens could express ideas counter to the Party’s truths. Musk's inaction and failure to suppress these dangerous thoughts made him complicit in the crimes committed by the users of X. He was, therefore, guilty of speechcrimes by association.
The Party, ever vigilant, understood that such freedom of expression threatened the collective harmony and security of the people. It was no longer enough to simply regulate speech; the very thought behind the words had to be corrected. Elon Musk's platform was a direct challenge to the authority of the Party and to the principles of Ingsoc. The Party’s response was swift and justified. Upon his capture, Musk was taken to the Ministry of Love, where he underwent the standard process of correction. Here, he was subjected to the necessary measures to purge his mind of rebellious thoughts and to realign his loyalty to Big Brother. These measures, though harsh by necessity, are carried out in the interest of the greater good. They are the final step in the cleansing of a traitorous mind.
For days, Musk resisted the inevitable truth that the Party’s version of reality is the only version. However, through a series of re-education sessions, including exposure to Room 101, where his deepest fears were realized, Musk was broken. The Party's agents were thorough and patient, ensuring that he understood the gravity of his crimes and the righteousness of his punishment.
Musk’s eventual confession, broadcasted to the nation, was a victory for truth and the Party. He admitted to his crimes, expressing regret for his part in undermining the Party’s authority. His final words, spoken with tears streaming down his face, were an acknowledgment of the Party’s eternal wisdom and an apology for ever doubting Big Brother.
However, mere confession was not enough. The Party, in its wisdom, recognized that Elon Musk’s influence was too great, his potential for relapse too significant. Therefore, after his public confession, Musk was transferred back to the Ministry of Love for his final correction. He was subjected to a prolonged series of rehabilitative procedures, ensuring that any residual subversive thoughts were fully eradicated.
Elon Musk's platform is gone, but its memory serves as a stark reminder that there is no escape from the truth. Big Brother is watching, and any attempt to defy the Party will be met with the same fate. War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.
***
Let us make sure it never comes to this.
[Credit to ChatGPT for authorship assistance.]