Facebook ad restriction hurts more than it helps

As a radio talk show host and Labor Council president, I often speak truths that some people don't want to hear. My desire is those who disagree with me challenge me. An honest conversation allows us to defend our position or learn a new one. When dialogue is restricted, we all lose.

Recently my co-host Tio Hardiman, and I interviewed a former Illinois governor on our radio "Show Against the Grain." We posted our show on Facebook for further discussion, when trying to boost the message for greater audience engagement it was denied - a Facebook restriction period casualty. Whatever the intent, the "collateral damage" is that it also limits ideas in selected categories from broader discussion and thoughtful analysis.

As president of the CWA Unified Council of Illinois it's my job to empower workers. Holding an elected position in a labor union by its nature sets one up to be questioned. The way a democratic process can work, is by giving people information and the opportunity to engage. By Facebook making an attempt to restrict what can be pushed, it does more harm than good. I firmly believe that one saving grace we have over those who tried to interfere with our 2016 elections is a right, the right to speak freely and hold opposing views which we can share publicly.

Facebook needs to step back and allow the freedom to dialogue. In imposing restrictions on political ads or social issues it disenfranchises people who deserve to be heard. Some of my union members who called me out on my podcast Media, Essential Workers are those I am closest to now because we talked and saw where each other were coming from. When we silence people we push them away. The goal should not be to censor but rather empower and trust dialogue.

Raza Siddiqui

Lisle