To: Senator Rand Paul, Senator Ron Wyden,Representative Kevin Kiley,Representative Jamie Raskin, Senator Richard J. Durbin, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC)
PETITION TO STOP THE UNCONSTITUTIONAL BAN OF TIKTOK IN THE UNITED STATES
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the proposed ban on TikTok and its potential negative consequences for free speech, the digital economy, and the rights of American citizens. As your constituent, I urge you to take action to ensure that this ban is not enacted and that the rights of individuals to freely express themselves and access digital content are preserved.
The United States Constitution, particularly the First Amendment, guarantees the right to free speech, and any move to restrict access to platforms like TikTok raises serious concerns about government overreach and censorship. The decision to ban TikTok based on national security fears, without clear and compelling evidence, undermines these fundamental freedoms and sets a dangerous precedent for future restrictions on digital platforms.
Moreover, TikTok serves as a vital platform for millions of Americans, particularly small businesses, creators, and entrepreneurs who rely on it to grow their brands, connect with audiences, and contribute to the economy. Banning such a platform would cause irreparable harm to these individuals and could negatively impact the broader digital ecosystem.
I also urge you to consider the broader implications of banning a platform based on national security concerns. If we are to protect our country and our democracy, we must balance national security interests with the protection of individual rights and freedoms. A hasty ban of TikTok without a transparent and thorough investigation into any potential threats is not the solution.
As a concerned citizen, I ask that you use your position to advocate for policies that protect both our security and our freedoms. I respectfully request that you take action to prevent the ban on TikTok and work towards solutions that allow us to continue to use these platforms safely, while preserving our right to free expression.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to hearing your stance on this important issue and your efforts to protect the rights of your constituents.
Sincerely,
Robin Buckner
Why is this important?
If I were explaining why I care about this issue to a friend, I might say something like this:
You know, the whole TikTok ban thing really bothers me, and it’s not just because I’m on the app and enjoy it. It’s bigger than that. The U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, right? And a lot of people don’t realize how fragile those freedoms are, especially when it comes to how we communicate and express ourselves online.
TikTok has become more than just a place for silly dances. It’s an essential tool for millions of creators—small business owners, artists, teachers, and everyday people trying to make a living or spread their message. My friend, for instance, used TikTok to promote her handmade jewelry business. Without it, she wouldn’t have reached the customers she has today. This ban, if it happens, could just crush that dream for so many people who are just trying to make it in a tough economy. And it's not just about TikTok; it sets a precedent. It’s about how much the government can control our online spaces in the name of security.
The thing is, we’re not seeing hard proof that TikTok is a real national security threat. The way this has been handled feels like a knee-jerk reaction, and it’s easy to target something big like TikTok because it’s foreign-owned. But we can’t just ban something because it might pose a threat—we need evidence, transparency, and proper due process. We’ve got laws for that, and if we start stripping away our rights without clear reasons, where does it end?
And if I’m being honest, it also feels like we’re losing sight of what it means to live in a democracy. We’re talking about the right to freely communicate, share ideas, and connect with people across the world. What happens if we start banning platforms based on fear instead of facts? What’s next? It makes me nervous to think that, one day, we could wake up and find that the spaces where we have conversations or share our creativity are all under control.
So yeah, it’s about TikTok, but it’s also about making sure we’re standing up for our rights. It’s about ensuring that the platforms we use to speak, create, and live aren’t taken away because of something we don’t fully understand or because it's easy for someone in power to make a decision that affects millions of people. That’s why I care. It’s more than just one app—it’s about keeping our freedoms intact and fighting for fairness and transparency.