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Just realized my own town's Facebook group was a censorship trap

For years, I posted in our local 'Community Chat' group about town council votes, especially the new zoning rules that would hurt small contractors like me. Last month, I shared a link to the actual meeting minutes showing a council member's conflict of interest. My post was gone in an hour, and I got a 30 day ban for 'spreading unverified claims.' I argued the minutes were public record from the town website. The admin, who I found out is the council member's cousin, said 'some facts cause unnecessary drama.' That phrase, 'unnecessary drama,' is what changed my mind. I always thought censorship was a big government thing somewhere else. Now I see it's a person with power hiding the truth right here. It made me start saving every document and posting them on a public blog instead. Has anyone else had a local forum or group shut down a discussion with public records?

2 comments

2 Comments

wesley831mo ago

Ever notice how the "be kind" or "no drama" rules always seem to protect the people in charge? It's the same playbook for school boards, neighborhood apps, and those local groups.

taylor821mo ago

I was on my neighborhood committee for three years and totally bought into the "keep it positive" rule. Then I watched the chair shut down every single question about the budget by calling it "drama." It's not about kindness, it's a shield for bad choices. You're right, it's the same tired trick everywhere.