| Freedom loving people hate free speech? | | Date Created:04/08/04 01:55 PM |
We hear them extol freedom at every turn. For example terrorists want to attack us because they "hate freedom." But when it comes to defending free speech and open government at home, it's a different story.
Cheney buddy and Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia continues to be camera shy. Not long ago, the justice banned cameras at an awards ceremony in which he was -- ironically -- honored for defending the First Amendment. Last night, an AP photographer was ordered to delete several digital images taken of Scalia as he delivered a speech. Interestingly, Scalia was speaking on the importance of the constitution.
As is well known, our troops are in grave danger as Iraqis have begun a new wave of attacks in a handful of cities. They are angry at the U.S. for its intention to arrest a cleric and for shutting down a newspaper. (See earlier post). Closing down a newspaper not only enflamed passions and incited violence, but is also a curious example to set in a country we are striving to make democratic.
The 9-11 commission says the Bush administration continues to withhold information vital to the investigation. No word on whether this comes as a surprise the the panel.
Richard Clarke felt the wrath of the administration when he spoke out about apparent White House disinterest in fighting terrorism. (See earlier post.) Apparently, he is not the only one who disagrees with the Bushies' approach to terrorism, as a Reuters story reports a steady exodus of terrorism experts from the White House.
A Portland newspaper has fired the reporter who discovered in 2000 that George W. Bush had been arrested for a DUI. The paper spiked the story at the time, although it was reported elsewhere shortly before the 2000 election. The story embarrassed the newspaper and the reporter says life has not been pleasant since then.
And Rush Limbaugh's lawyers were in court yesterday in an effort to have his medical records sealed. You remember the conservative radio talk show host got hooked on pain pills. He says his privacy rights were violated when cops seized the records. One cannot help but to think that Rush would want the records out if they belonged to ...say Bill Clinton. |
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