Let’s see how ‘free’ the speech is

OPINION:

I hate to be a party pooper, but in between all the fanfare celebrating Elon Musk’s impending purchase of Twitter, I have to sound a note of caution.

Mr. Musk has talked a good game about free speech, and he has posted some delectably sarcastic tweets that have been very entertaining to read as they infuriate liberals. However, we have to remember that Mr. Musk is not the only person who bought Twitter.

He borrowed $20 billion of the money needed to purchase the website. The banks will want their money back, and they will start dictating terms to Mr. Musk if he can’t keep up with the payments. There is also a legitimate concern that China may now be able to influence the content of Twitter, as it will have leverage over Musk due to Tesla’s business in that country.

I wish Mr. Musk well and hope he has every success, but while all of his statements are laying on the icing to a very fancy cake, the proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

ROBERT FRAZER

Lancashire, United Kingdom