Freedom of Speech/Right-to-Know

Burning the First Amendment

“Got a match?”

I didn't know where he came from, but there he was, right behind me—as usual. “You know I don’t smoke,” I told Marshbaum. “Come to think of it, you don't either. What's up?”

“Not much. Planning to roast some marshmallows and hotdogs. Burn some books.”

“Marshbaum,” I commanded. “You can’t burn books.”

“Sure I can. All I need is a match. See, first you—”

“Burning books is against everything this country stands for.”
Amendment>>

Conservative Group Is Right:
Free Speech Is Not a Political Issue
The Sunbird Conservatives, a student group, put out some pro-McCain literature at a recruiting table at Fresno Pacific University a week ago. [ more ]

Fighting for the Right-to-Know
All we wanted was to look at some public records from Hemlock Twp., Columbia County. By the time it was over, we were accused of criminal activity, had a legal bill of more than $3,000, and became front page headlines. [ more ]

Killing Reason Itself
America's two most popular authors of the late nineteenth century could never imagine their most famous works would be among the nation's most banned books. [ more ]

'Medaling' With Free Speech at the Olympics
At the new U.S. embassy in Beijing on the opening day of the Olympics, he said, "All people should have the freedom to say what they think." Without even blinking, he also told the world, while directing his comments at the Chinese, "We strongly believe societies which allow the free expression of ideas tend to be the most prosperous and the most peaceful." [ more ]

Silent Protest, Vocal Response

“Enraged” would be too mild of an adjective to describe the caller to Spectrum magazine, a national award-winning student-produced magazine for the permanent residents of two rural counties in northeastern Pennsylvania.
“Take my wife off of this circulation list. I don’t know how she ever got on!” he demanded.
More>>

Stupid Decisions: Self-Censorship in America
The author and the publisher could agree upon only one thing—neither of them wanted 50,000 copies of the author's book to be in a 146,000 square foot warehouse in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. [ more ]

The Truth of Joseph Goebbels
The CIA said there was no connection. The 9/11 Commission said there was no credible evidence. Counter-terrorism expert Richard Clarke, advisor to four presidents, said there was no link. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said, We made serious mistakes. Even Donald Rumsfeld grudgingly said there probably wasnt any strong, hard evidence. [ more ]

Throwing Out the First Amendment
John Rocker has opinions. The 25-year-old 6-foot-4, 225 pound Atlanta Braves pitcher says he doesn't like foreigners, minorities, gays, and just about anyone who doesn't look, act, or think like he does. [ more ]

To Delay and Deny: Pennsylvania's Right-to-know Law
Wayne Boring didn't think it was an unusual request. He just wanted to see the records of what happened to several thousand dollars in his escrow account. So, in April, he sent a polite letter to the Indiana County prothonotary. [ more ]

Learn more about Dr. Brasch's books, click on the cover.
America's Unpatriotic Acts
Forthcoming