In the shifting landscape of our national politics, it is probably time to stop referring to the American left as “liberals.”

What was once true is true no more.

The Democratic Party, the so-called “liberal” party, and its compadres in American media have become illiberal and now routinely chip away at the bedrock of free society. 

John Kerry called the First Amendment a major block to shutting down fringe viewpoints that produce misinformation.

Hillary Clinton wants to make the spread of disinformation a crime. She has also called for repeal of Section 230, a federal law that would make social media companies liable for user content. If repealed, “social media platforms would be sued into oblivion,” argues the Wall Street Journal’s James Freeman.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

The Biden White House pressed Facebook and other social media companies to censor content. Said Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, “I believe the government pressure was wrong, and I regret that we were not more outspoken about it.”

Liberal politicians and journalists have discussed the need for greater regulation of speech online. On Sunday, two CBS News programs turned to Germany — of all nations — as a model.

Here’s how the issue unfolded. 

On Friday, Vice President

© Arizona Republic