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News and views from San Francisco

Charles Slay | 03.12.2001 03:10

The "war on terrorism" is being used to suppress free speech in the United States.

News and views from San Francisco
News and views from San Francisco


In the name of patriotism a fury is unleashed against anyone who expresses the slightest opposition or skepticism towards the "war on terrorism." Take, for example, the situation with mainstream radio talk show host Bernie Ward now finds himself in. Mr. Ward is now labeled "Bernie Ben Laden" by his audience and colleagues for expressing skepticism about the war. The attacks against free speech are not just the emotional outbursts of the far right and neo-right, the government and its agents are systematicaly targeting dissent. According to New york Times journalist Emily Eakins, Vice President Dick Cheney's wife Lynn founded the organization "American Council of Trustees and Alumni" to fight liberalism in academia. They have compiled and published a list of professors who in their words, expressed "anti-American Statements." The right is turning the American flag into a gag.

Charles Slay
- e-mail: slaycslay@aol.com