The erosion of civil liberties in the modern era is intricately linked to the rise of an expansive administrative state, which increasingly seeks to manipulate public discourse and media landscapes to align with its narratives.

On Saturday’s WarRoom, discussions between Mike Benz and Dave Brat highlighted a concerning trend: the systematic suppression of alternative news sources by leveraging governmental and corporate power to enforce compliance with a state-sanctioned narrative.

On the program, Benz shed light on the aggressive tactics government agencies and their allies used to undermine independent media. According to Benz, the post-2016 election landscape saw a concerted effort by entities such as the U.S. State Department and various NGOs to stifle alternative media.

“After the 2016 election, the Health Security State and the foreign policy establishment embarked on a quest to kill advertising revenue to alternative news sources,” Benz stated.

He explained that this strategy was aimed at diminishing the influence of independent outlets that had gained traction against traditional media giants.

Benz’s latest report exposes a troubling alliance between censorship mercenary firms and major advertising agencies. “Censorship mercenary firms like NewsGuard and Global Disinformation Index now rate news organizations in a manner similar to Moody’s rating bonds,” Benz noted.

These firms create blacklists of websites deemed to spread misinformation, effectively directing advertising dollars away from these sources. This tactic not only cripples independent journalism but also consolidates media power within a few government-approved channels.

Benz criticized the government’s role in funding media operations that align with its objectives while marginalizing dissenting voices. “The government should not be in the business of determining winners and losers in the media landscape,” Benz argued. He highlighted how taxpayer money is used to support media organizations that propagate the administration’s preferred narratives, thus skewing public perception and undermining democratic discourse.

Brat echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for voters to be aware of these dynamics. “When you see the rise of these censorship practices and the manipulation of media funding, it’s a red flag for civil liberties,” Brat remarked.

He urged citizens to scrutinize how administrative state actions could impact their rights and the integrity of public debate.

As the 2024 elections approach, it is crucial for voters to consider the implications of an administrative state that seeks to control the flow of information and stifle dissenting voices. The tactics employed by government entities and their corporate allies reflect a broader agenda to enforce conformity and suppress alternative viewpoints, posing a significant threat to individual freedoms and the democratic process.

The discussion between Benz and Brat is a stark reminder of the challenges facing civil liberties in an age of heightened governmental control. As voters prepare for the upcoming elections, they should be mindful of the broader implications of these trends and advocate for a media landscape that supports diverse and independent voices. The health of democracy depends on it.

For fuller context, watch the Mike Benz interview on the WarRoom:

Mike Benz: The Four-Letter Agencies Are Killing The Ability To Operate An Independent Website