What are community standards?
A Community is not just the geography of an area but includes interactions, dependencies, obligations, and connections between the living things that are present. In terms of humans, it is how do we want to be treated and how do we treat others. It includes the Rights that we Minnesotans have and the Responsibilities we are expected to honor.
One of our Rights is Free Speech, but the internet has complicated the management of this Right. But even then, there are limitations to this Right. So what happens if you violate Community Standards? Facebook, for example, can remove the offending post if managers believe ordinary and reasonable people would find it unacceptable.
Free expression is very important to Facebook but they will limit it based on Authenticity, Safety, Privacy, and Dignity. When something is presented on Facebook that is misinformation aimed at discrediting public officials with AI or a photo-altered picture it could be viewed as defamatory or to harass or degrade others. If you overuse the free speech part you can lose track of the responsibility part. People who claim corruption should bring their evidence forward.
Misinformation is hardly evidence. Tracy has a lot to offer, like an excellent school system, a diverse range of churches, a business friendly environment, and a strong culture of neighbors helping each other. Our City Council, City Staff, and volunteers deserve to be supported.
JEANINE VANDENDRIESSCHE, DAVE LENERTZ, KAREN KROG, KEN WITT
