The rising cost of dissent in America | Miles Taylor

The rising cost of dissent in American public life poses a critical threat to democracy, driven not by political hardliners but by widespread self-censorship. Former national security official Miles Taylor details the severe personal consequences of speaking out—including death threats, doxxing, and financial ruin—which underscore a broader climate of intimidation. Data reveals that violent threats against members of Congress surged tenfold between 2016 and 2020, while one in three Americans now believe political violence is justified. Despite this, the majority of citizens privately agree on key societal issues but remain silent out of fear. To lower the price of dissent and protect democratic discourse, citizens must abandon anonymity and increase the supply of public truth-telling. Reclaiming civic participation requires individuals to step forward and engage openly, effectively ending the cycle of fear that currently stifles essential debate.