Let us use a reference here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_speech

Your interpretation is widely spread but also wrong. The government is only a relevant party if we talk about specific laws.

> As a moderator, I also ban people who are just obnoxious and loud without any substance.

You then don't follow the principle of freedom of speech, simple as that. That is no crime, but you aren't liberal in these cases either.

Taking away the megaphone is simply not incompatible with free speech and there will never exist a single person or institution who will adhere to what you say free speech means.

Depends on the circumstances, it very well can be. Who are you to decide who gets a megaphone or not? But abstractly you cannot really confirm or deny such statements.

But that is besides the point. The criticism of free speech isn't new, the arguments are always the same and usually those that argue for more restriction do end up being wrong. I don't see the path developing differently here.

To ask why Trump can capitalize on these issues, a careful reading might be appropriate as the result wouldn't be too surprising without needing to much predictive capacities.

"It depends" "It can be" "Cannot confirm or deny" "Might be appropriate" "Wouldn't be surprising"

This is tiring. Have a good day.

Free speech means a lot of different things. I like Ken White's framework

https://popehat.substack.com/p/in-defense-of-free-speech-ped...

Free speech rights - The government shouldn't restrict speech

Free Speech culture - Private institutions shouldn't punish speech

Speech Decency - Individuals should judge others by their speech

Incoherence - Nobody should be judged for anything they say

Families are also private institutions. Have you ever corrected your kids in a shouting match?

I have no clue what you are trying to say.

All private institutions, families included, can set their own terms and conditions on where they draw limits to free speech.

There are no free speech absolutists. Only realists and hypocrites.