A Brief History of the Freedom of Speech - “I disagree with what you say but will defend to the death your right to say it.” — Voltaire (1694-1778) When Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, he included in it a list of the colonists’ grievances with the British government. Notably absent were any complaints about infringement upon speech. In those days, speech […]
Book Review: The Beechers: America’s Most Influential Family - Upon first glance, the title, The Beechers: America’s Most Influential Family, makes a bold claim that may draw both reflection and an initial skepticism from readers. Surely, across the 250 years of United States history, some political or business family dynasty had to have had a more significant national impact than the Beechers. Yet, within his […]
What is Gavin Newsom Doing? - There is an obvious answer to what California Gov. Gavin Newsom is doing. He’s running for president. There is nothing inherently wrong with that. He is nothing if not ambitious. He’s termed out as governor and in two years will be looking for a place to land. But he’s doing it all wrong, and it’s […]
News From Around the South, 3/17 to 3/24 - SOUTH CAROLINA: Charleston removed statue of John C. Calhoun almost 5 years ago. A fight over its fate continues The future of a bronze effigy of John C. Calhoun continues to be debated in South Carolina courts — rather than in City Hall — years after Charleston City Council initially voted to remove the figure from its pedestal […]
Perilous Times for Personal Liberty - “First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out — Because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out — Because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out — Because I […]
