By the usual definition of "heckler's veto", it is the government that restricts someone's speech
because of the perceived threat of violence if the speech is permitted. In other words, a small but very vocal and belligerent group threatens violence unless a speech or march or gathering is cancelled. And, then fearing violence, the government caves and cancels the speech.
Lately, I am hearing and reading about people self-censoring what they say or write and deciding that certain tee shirts and bumper stickers are "too risky". This is a new form of heckler's veto that does not involve the government. People decide not to wear an "Impeach Trump" tee because it might "cause trouble".
Let's call this what it is: the surrender of one's freedom to express one's self because of a perceived threat. And, this has sort of a snowball effect. In time, such "unpopular"
shirts or stickers are few and far between in a given area and those who display them are, therefore, easier to isolate and intimidate. If there is one "Impeach Trump" in a mall, two knuckledraggers can stalk them and threaten them or even assault them. But, if there are 50 such shirts in the mall, it is the troglodytes who might feel intimidated and likely decide not to stick their necks out or their noses into other people's business.
So, please, folks---I understand not everyone is healthy enough or strong enough or confident enough to "go public" with their political views. But, those of you who are able to do this, the time for it is now. IT IS YOUR RIGHT AS AN AMERICAN and you should not let some MAGA cap-wearing nincompoop take it from you.
Is this being "confrontational"? Hell, yes! It is also called being an American.
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