I'm not in favor of censorship, but...: May 2010

When I began following free speech controversies, I was a First Amendment absolutist. Now I’m something less comfortable. I still think free speech is a good idea, certainly better than alternatives I’ve come across, but I’ve learned that everyone has a line that can’t be crossed, a word that sticks in the craw, an image that feels like a kick to the gut. The First Amendment, bless its little heart, always eventually lets us down (self-protection is innate, tolerance an acquired taste), so how can I not be bothered by its limitations?

This is a running log of arguments over free speech – some silly, some funny, some hard -- because free speech is all about argument. Being able to speak our mind makes us feel good and it's essential to real democracy and fairness. Yet, in the end, one of the best reasons to keep our speech rights intact is that we miss them when they’re gone.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Except when it's a most unique [sic], toxic person -- or in the state of Wyoming

Suellen Carman, an old friend of mine and of the First Amendment, who lives in Wyo. and received the Intellectual Freedom Award from the Wyoming Library Association in 2002, wrote to state officials to object to their barring Bill Ayers from speaking at the Univ. of Wyo. The following is a response from Jim McBride, the state superintendent of education.

Subject: RE: Letter to the President and Board of Trustees
Carman, sorry, we aren't going to agree on this issue. This is a very unique person with a very unique history - - I believe he is simply too toxic for UW. Let's simply agree to disagree! I simply believe there is a view beyond academic freedom.
J McBride
Wyoming Department of Education
Superintendent of Public Instruction
"One Team One Effort"