The Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression is based in Virginia. It describes itself as follows:
... a unique organization, devoted solely to the defense of free expression in all its forms. While its charge is sharply focused, the Center’s mission is broad. It is as concerned with the musician as with the mass media, with the painter as with the publisher, and as much with the sculptor as the editor.
. . .
Each year on or near April 13 (the anniversary of the birth of Thomas Jefferson) the Center focuses national attention on especially egregious or ridiculous affronts to free expression by awarding Jefferson Muzzles to responsible individuals or organizations.
This year's crop of Jefferson Muzzles is a rich one, containing many outrages against free speech guaranteed to make those who appreciate the Constitution froth at the mouth. They include:
- U.S. Representative Alan Grayson (D-FL), for urging the U.S. Attorney General to seek a monetary fine and a 5 year prison sentence against a vocal critic for alleged violations of Federal Election law that, even if true, represent minor transgressions.
- The Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, for preventing the sale of a wine in the State of Alabama because the labels on the wine bottles showed a 19th century depiction of a nude nymph.
- Chicago Alderman James A. Balcer, for claiming the authority to destroy a work of art based on his personal assessment of the work’s content.
These and many more may be found at the link, along with archives of previous years' winners.
Kudos to the Jefferson Center for highlighting such idiocy and keeping us alert to the machinations of those who would deny us so fundamental a right.
Peter
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