Emily Ekins, The Cato InstituteA new Cato national survey released July 22, finds that self‐censorship is on the rise in the United States. Nearly two-thirds—62%—of Americans say the political climate these days prevents them from saying things they believe because others might find them offensive. The share of Americans who self‐censor has risen several points since 2017 when 58% of Americans agreed with this statement.These fears cross partisan lines. Majorities of Democrats (52%), independents (59%) and Republicans (77%) all agree they have political opinions they are afraid to share.Liberals are divided on political expressionStrong liberals stand out, however, as the only political group who feel they can express themselves. Nearly 6 in 10 (58%) of staun
