Saturday, December 20, 2008

Freedom of Speech, Denied, and Punished

I first noted the story of Karen Fletcher in a post I titled Freedom of Speech, Denied, on September 28, 2006, which I then followed up with a post titled Update on “Freedom of Speech, Denied,” on June 6, 2007.

In my update post, I noted that I could not garner much additional information in regards to Ms. Fletcher and the case levied against her, but today, though the news of the case is old and forgotten by most, I note that in August of this year (2008), Ms. Fletcher was convicted of obscenity and sentenced to five (5) years probation, the first six (6) months of those years of probation she is restricted to remaining in her home, and fined $1,000.00 dollars.

This is a travesty of justice.  Ms. Fletcher was originally of the mind to fight the charges, but her fear of conviction, and time in prison, caused her to cop to a plea deal.

I, to this day, and going forward, stand proudly by what I wrote in regards to this case.

What is at issue, here, is the denial of freedom of speech, plain and simple.  The speech being protected may be disturbing, it may be down right disgusting, and may appeal to the lowest form of humankind which can walk upright and supposedly think, but it is still the denial of freedom of speech.

The Wall Street Journal’s reporting on Karen Fletcher’s case can be read here, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s reporting on the case can be read here.

Beware, people, your freedom of speech is also in dire jeopardy.

Posted by John Venlet on 12/20 at 09:44 AM
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