Free Speech America stands at the heart of the Vanboolzalness Crisis, where truth is twisted, speech is censored, and dependency is glorified. As fear and control replace open dialogue, this episode confronts the cultural decay and digital manipulation threatening liberty itself.
A hard look at truth and speech. MRCTV’s Nick Kangadis, a self-described anti-communist, calls out the culture war, dependency sold as compassion, and the entitlement behind threats over SNAP. Attorney Michael B. Morris, Director of MRC Free Speech America, exposes Big Tech censorship, AI bias, and why Section 230 needs clarity. From Europe’s speech crackdowns to American courage, we urge listeners to think, speak, and stand.
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The Next Steps Show — Guest: Nick Kangadis; Guest: Michael B. Morris, Esq.
Peter Vazquez:
Welcome back to The Next Steps Show—another week of real dialogue. Ephesians 4:25 says, “Stop telling lies; let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all part of the same body.” Lines are open at 585-346-3866 and 552-1009.
Our guest today describes himself as a vocal anti-communist. He graduated magna cum laude in journalism and mass communication, minored in political science, and serves as Assistant Managing Editor for MRCTV and MRC Culture. He also hosts Things That Need To Be Said. Nick Kangadis, welcome.
Nick Kangadis:
Great to be with you, Peter. I am Assistant Managing Editor at MRCTV. We are rebranding more toward MRC Video—topical commentary, reels, and yes, a lot of memes. You can find my work on the Things That Need To Be Said playlist on MRCTV’s YouTube channel.
Peter:
How do you choose clips and issues?
Nick:
A lot of it is spontaneous. I see a clip—CNN, MSNBC, wherever—that begs to be mocked, challenged, or answered. If it triggers a clear double standard or lie, I cut it and respond.
Peter:
Let us talk about a reel you posted October 24: an “EBT independent” threatening to “unalive” President Trump if food stamps stop. Context: during a federal funding fight, agencies warned states that SNAP payments could be delayed. Critics say millions rely on SNAP. Why highlight that clip?
Nick:
Because it shows entitlement. Some users declare on camera, “If you think I will work, think again,” or threaten theft. Safety-net programs should be temporary. Some truly need help, then get back on their feet. That video showed dependency turning into entitlement.
Peter:
Is the anger really about Trump, or something bigger?
Nick:
Trump is an easy foil. The current shutdown politics came with massive add-ons the left tried to push to restore spending Trump had cut. Rather than debate spending honestly, they blame the figurehead.
Peter:
Working in human services, I see professionals amplifying anger instead of asking, “How do we adapt? How do we work?” I once asked someone for the constant in every bad situation. After twenty minutes, they admitted, “Maybe it is me,” then got angry.
Nick:
People often prefer talking points from politicians or TV hosts to doing the thinking. Social media rewards that.
Caller – Keith:
Mass communication is everywhere, yet many do not hear the message. Why do false promises persuade? What will break through?
Nick:
In the short term, it gets worse before it gets better—because of AI. Messages will be algorithmic, not original. A breakthrough will require a genuine grassroots effort. But first, more noise.
Peter:
Dialogue is the start. The left now calls for “toning it down,” but often silences those most willing to debate.
Caller – Mike:
Why are there gag orders in the Charlie Kirk case?
Nick:
I would need to look into the specifics before answering.
Peter (after quick check by producer):
Reports indicate a Utah judge issued a routine gag order applying to attorneys, witnesses, and court staff—not to outside commentators.
Peter (to Nick):
You often criticize entertainment framing—law-and-order shows that recast courage as disobedience. Thoughts?
Nick:
Trump is the easy target. He understood how to draw media fire so work could continue. That is leadership.
Peter:
How should listeners discern fringe rhetoric from mainstream arguments?
Nick:
Learn to spot AI-generated content. Then look for consistency, evidence, and the willingness to debate without threats. The recent rhetoric from the left makes the extremes easy to identify.
Peter:
Nick Kangadis, Assistant Managing Editor at MRCTV and host of Things That Need To Be Said. Thank you.
Peter:
Freedom depends on courage, and courage begins with conversation. Our next guest is Michael B. Morris, Esq., Director of MRC Free Speech America, a lawyer and journalist fighting censorship by Big Tech, media, and government. Michael, welcome.
Michael B. Morris, Esq.:
Thank you for having me. At MRC Free Speech America, our vision is an America where Big Tech does not censor constitutionally protected speech. We monitor search, social feeds, AI chatbots, and news aggregators like Google News, Apple News, Yahoo, MSN, and AOL—because algorithms now gatekeep public discourse.
Peter:
During Free Speech Week, MRC honored Charlie Kirk and recognized Missouri AG Andrew Bailey. Why that award and why Charlie?
Michael:
The left once defended free speech. Now it conditions speech on “harm” and “offense.” We are reclaiming Free Speech Week to restore first principles. Charlie Kirk proclaimed truth from Christian convictions and conservative principles. He paid the ultimate price. He deserved recognition.
Peter:
Some conservatives add a “but” after the First Amendment. Your view?
Michael:
The answer to bad speech is not censorship; it is more speech. Sunshine is the best disinfectant. Let the marketplace of ideas do its work.
Peter:
Section 230—what needs clarity?
Michael:
Big Tech wants it both ways. Section 230 provides a liability shield for third-party content and for good-faith moderation of illegal or obscene content. Platforms now suppress lawful speech they merely dislike—overwhelmingly conservative, Christian, and dissident viewpoints—while keeping the shield. You are either a publisher with liability exposure or a platform with neutral carriage protections. Not both.
Peter:
On Europe and the U.K.: you have tracked arrests and raids over online speech.
Michael:
Yes. The U.K. arrested thousands for speech-related offenses. Germany has conducted pre-dawn raids over posts. EU officials threaten Americans over statements made on U.S. soil, and fines against tech firms soar. Free speech is shrinking across the Atlantic.
Peter:
MRC asked major AI chatbots to rank countries for free speech. Most omitted the United States entirely, except Grok. What does that tell us?
Michael:
It shows AI systems are echoing European-style restrictions as the “ideal.” Some even fault the U.S. for protecting speech others label “hate.” When users accept AI summaries at the top of search, very few click sources. The result is curated narratives laundered through AI, often sourced from legacy outlets Americans already distrust.
Peter:
Final word on “woke AI”?
Michael:
Use AI as a tool, not as a substitute for judgment. Check sources. Understand that contracts and training data skew outputs. Demand transparency and accountability.
Peter:
Where can listeners find you, and what is the Free Speech Pledge?
Michael:
MediaResearchCenter.org and the Free Speech America section. Sign the Free Speech Pledge to affirm that lawful speech should not be censored by governments or their proxies.
Peter:
Be a leader. God bless the United States of America. Do not surrender your voice.
