Our Democracy was founded on and has been sustained by open discourse in which differing opinions are encouraged and respected. Unfortunately, overt lies from public officials have now poisoned that environment and, as a consequence, our Democracy is threatened.
In my opinion, when elected officials knowingly lie to the American people, they should be subject to criminal prosecution. In addition, when news organizations and online websites knowingly spread false information, they should also be at risk for fines and/or incarceration.
How else to reverse the scourge of lies and conspiracy theories that now threaten the fabric of American society? Lies are not Free Speech; they are not protected by the Constitution.
