The problem is the lack of anonymity, and the weaponizing of law, and NGOs who persecute those who do not follow like obedient sheep what the state, or Big Corps want to promote.

Examine what is happening in the UK, and EU where posting a meme, or criticizing a woke or immigration policy can result in a fine, or even jail time.

In Canada speech is under attack too, it seems only the US is resisting this immense pressure, but it was mostly because Trump won, and him, and his party were the targets of huge lawfare, and persecution.

The cowards are not stupid, they notice what happens when they open their mouth.

How to turn cowards into cowboys? Give them tech to speak out anonymously, elect politicians that value freedom, reduce the size of useless bureaucracies, remove censorship laws, and increase the amount of decentralized news... also places like Stacker News help, since a level of anonymity, and the ability to share and discuss news is rewarded. We need many more venues like it!