Game plan coming soon...
1️⃣ From a Patriot & National Security Perspective
"Lies weaken nations. Every major threat to democracy—domestic and foreign—has been fueled by deliberate misinformation. The military can’t operate on bad intel, courts can’t function on false testimony, and economies collapse when fraud goes unchecked. Yet, we let politicians and media figures openly deceive the public without consequence. It’s time to hold them accountable with the same legal standards we apply to advertisers, broadcasters, and businesses. Truth in governance isn’t partisan—it’s national security."
2️⃣ From a Business & Consumer Rights Perspective
"If a company lies about a product, it’s fraud. If an ad misleads you, it’s false advertising. Yet politicians—who sell policies that affect every aspect of our lives—are free to deceive us with zero accountability. Imagine if Wall Street could openly lie about stock values with no SEC oversight. Our economy, our legal system, and our democracy depend on truth. Let’s apply the same consumer protections that govern business to those who govern us."
3️⃣ From a Civil Rights & Justice Perspective
"Lies have fueled every major injustice in American history. Slavery, segregation, the war on drugs, voter suppression—all justified by carefully crafted political lies. Today, unchecked misinformation is weaponized to suppress votes, incite violence, and manipulate public perception. Freedom of speech doesn’t mean freedom from accountability. If defamation and fraud are illegal for individuals and corporations, why should politicians and media giants get a free pass? Let’s make truth the standard for power."
Advertising Standards (FTC Act) – Prohibits deceptive advertising; could be expanded to cover political campaigns.
Defamation & Slander Laws – Politicians should be subject to the same standards as public figures in media.
False Claims Act – Government contractors can’t defraud the public, but politicians can? Let’s change that.
SEC Regulations on Corporate Disclosures – If businesses must be truthful in public statements, why not public officials?
Public Safety Laws – Speech inciting violence is already illegal; we extend this to deliberate misinformation campaigns.
The Truth in Governance Act – Extends false advertising laws to political campaigns and media outlets knowingly spreading misinformation.
The Public Accountability in Speech Act – Expands defamation laws to include political figures lying about policies, elections, and public safety.
The Electoral Truth & Integrity Act – Bans demonstrably false statements in campaign materials, ads, and debates (modeled after false advertising laws).
The News Integrity & Transparency Act – Applies "fair and balanced" truth standards to broadcasters under FCC regulation.
Truth vs. Opinion – Policy statements, factual claims, and campaign promises should meet the same scrutiny as financial disclosures.
Reckless Disregard for Truth – Holding public figures accountable for knowingly spreading lies (NYT v. Sullivan precedent).
Liability for Harm – If false statements lead to measurable harm (violence, voter suppression, financial fraud), accountability follows.
New Legal Precedents – Strategic lawsuits in key states to push courts toward recognizing political misinformation as harmful.
State-Level Reform First – Push for election laws in progressive states to set a precedent for federal action.
Amicus Briefs & Legal Scholarship – Collaborate with constitutional lawyers to frame misinformation as a legal liability.
Whistleblowers & Former Officials – Bipartisan figures who can expose how lies manipulate governance.
Consumer Protection Advocates – Tie deceptive political advertising to false advertising laws.
Election Integrity Groups – Partner with organizations fighting voter suppression and misinformation.
Veterans & National Security Experts – Emphasize the security threat posed by misinformation.
“Truth in Politics” Pledge – Push candidates to commit to verified campaign statements.
Misinformation Fact-Checking Dashboard – Real-time tracking of political falsehoods, tied to legal consequences.
Grassroots Mobilization – Organize town halls, petitions, and direct pressure on lawmakers.
Crowdfunding for Legal Challenges – Publicly funded lawsuits against politicians who knowingly lie.
Merchandise & Awareness Campaigns – “Make Lying Illegal” hats, shirts, and digital campaigns.
Subscription-Based Fact-Checking Service – A paid service offering high-quality, nonpartisan fact-checking.
Media Engagement & Public Pressure – Partner with journalists, influencers, and podcasters to shift public discourse.
Obstacle
Anticipated Argument
Countermove
“This violates free speech!”
Lies are not protected speech in advertising, financial markets, or defamation law.
Position this as an expansion of existing fraud & advertising laws.
“This is just partisan censorship!”
Both parties have engaged in misinformation.
Use bipartisan examples and make this about truth, not party lines.
“How do you define a ‘lie’?”
Opinions are free speech; demonstrable falsehoods are not.
Use legal definitions from advertising, finance, and defamation law.
“This is a slippery slope!”
Regulations already exist in every major industry.
Highlight the parallels with corporate and media accountability.
Secure endorsements from legal experts, former officials, and advocacy groups.
Launch an educational campaign defining the problem and legal framework.
Start petition drives for state-level ballot initiatives.
Draft legislation for introduction in key states.
File lawsuits against major offenders to set legal precedents.
Create model state-level bills to drive nationwide adoption.
Secure high-profile sponsors in Congress.
Mobilize public pressure on lawmakers and regulatory agencies.
Push for a Supreme Court ruling affirming accountability for political misinformation.
This is winnable. Every industry has faced accountability laws—food, finance, pharmaceuticals, advertising, even social media. The political class is the last unregulated sector. It’s time to close the loophole. The truth isn’t partisan. It’s power.
Make Lying Illegal
Public personalities (think Howard Stern Shock Jock, celebrity endorsements)
Advertisers (think cosmetics and pharmaceuticals)
Broadcasters (think Fox News, infowars)
Educators (primary and secondary public school guidelines around sensitive subjects)
… specifically around lies, slander, defamation, and more …
How does the legislature read, what are the laws, where is the line between your right to free speech and my right to sue if your words negatively impact me? And, most importantly…
Game plan for updating (leveling up? retro-fitting?, doing what should have been done before) all of them to include politicians.
Campaigning is largely the same as advertising or promotional marketing.
Elected officials speaking to the press or public is largely the same as broadcasting or publishing.