D.H.:
...have you ever considered the precious value of the Library in nurturing, protecting and furthering our First Ammendment rights?Yes, absolutely. As Garicker states, libraries are usually front and center in the censorship debate. Libraries were also very resistant to post-9-11/Homeland Security attempts to screen readers' book selections. I particularly appreciate that free public libraries make books available to all people, even the underprivileged. (Some libraries even have lending and/or reading programs for people without addresses.) I'm fortunate that my local public library has excellent free lecture series, and a great outreach program. In fact, this weekend the library, along with sponsors, is hosting the
Philadelphia Book Festival. Patti Smith will be performing and I can't be there. Drat!
Mad:
...it's currently checked out of the library, so it may be next month before I can secure a copy.
D.H.: I'm still waiting for my copy to arrive at the Library...Mad and D.H., I think you'll find you can participate somewhat, even before you receive the text. For instance, I'm curious to learn what you both think about incorporating the Fourteenth Amendment with the First Amendment, particularly, obviously, free expression and the establishment clause. I introduced this topic in the
"Before you begin reading" thread. This may seem like a pointless conversation as establishment, as applied to the state, is now well-established law, but I still think it's an interesting discussion. I also think people who support (not assuming that either of you do) religion and state intermingling would be relatively incensed to learn how the limitations were finally adopted.
Garicker:
Just got back from vacation,Welcome home! Hope you had a great vacation. So what was it like meeting the infamous Chris O'Connor?
...I should read it over the weekend.I can't wait to jump into discussion with you.