Citizens Defending Freedom denies freedom of speech as media and others are barred from its meeting

Commentary

Evidently Citizens Defending Freedom - Nassau believes freedom isn't for everybody.

CDF's meeting at American Beach Community Center Thursday night was off limits to local media and certain people it felt weren't embracing the group's "you must think like us" doctrine.

A Fernandina Observer reporter and several people had registered for the CDF event, were issued tickets, but at the 11th hour were told via email they were not welcome. CDF did allow the online Citizens Journal to attend.

Even though the CDF meeting was being held at a county building, Nassau County Sheriff's informed those who were told not to attend if they showed up for the meeting they would be trespassing.

CDF obviously doesn't consider the principle of free speech and the role of the media as the fourth estate as the cornerstones of a democratic society. A healthy democracy thrives on the free flow of information, differing perspectives, and a generous exchange of ideas. However, banning people who think differently than Citizens Defending Freedom raises serious concerns about the organization's commitment to these fundamental principles. By barring media outlets it doesn't like from its meetings, Citizens Defending Freedom has established a dangerous precedent that threatens the very foundation of our democracy.

CDF - Nassau Executive Director Jack Knocke did not respond to an email requesting a comment on cherry picking who could attend the CDF event.

The founding fathers valued that a free and independent press serves as a crucial watchdog, holding those in power accountable, and providing the public with vital information. When any organization attempts to suppress or control the media, it undermines the public's right to know and erodes democracy. CDF is a non-profit organization. What other Amelia Island non-profit prohibits people from attending their meetings? The answer is none.

An organization tlike CDF that claims to defend freedom should, by definition, embrace the principles of openness, inclusivity, and free expression. CDF must understand that the right to free speech is not limited to its own members or supporters alone, but extends to all individuals, including members of the media. By attempting to control the narrative and exclude dissenting voices, Citizens Defending Freedom subverts its own credibility and exposes a fundamental contradiction of its stated mission.

CDF's mission states: Citizens Defending Freedom is an organization that empowers and equips American citizens to defend their freedoms and liberties at the local level. By streamlining and simplifying activism, we support and champion American citizens who want to stand up for their independence.

Shelia Cocchi has been an active critic of CDF and its actions opposing the Pride Festival/Parade and a recent drag queen bingo event that raised money to fund college scholarships.

She obtained a ticket to the CDF event, but was informed by Knocke that she could not attend.

"Hostile press and disruptors are NOT welcome," Knocke's notice to Cocchi said.

Linda Hart Green, a Fernandina Observer opinion writer, was also told not to attend.

When CDF actively avoids diverse viewpoints and only permits media outlets that align with its ideology, it creates an echo chamber. Why are echo chambers so dangerous ? Because they reinforce pre-existing beliefs, strangle critical thinking, and breed intolerance towards differing opinions. A healthy democracy encourages the collision of ideas and encourages stout debate. By shutting out dissenting voices, Citizens Defending Freedom risks becoming an insular group disconnected from the realities and broader concerns of our Amelia Island community.