Free speech is one of the most cherished of American values.  The First Amendment to the Constitution was written to address this value and since then few rights have been more hotly defended than the right to express one's view without interference from the government. 

Unfortunately government agents and others often abuse their power and seek to restrict free speech.  Here is a case study:

• Andrew Wimmer - a participant at a peaceful protest was handcuffed and taken to jail because he refused to move to a ""designated protest zone"" that was out of sight of the President and local and national TV news cameras.   
• Chilled free speech activities due to the PATRIOT Act.

For more information on free speech and other issues, please visit the ACLU's Keep America Safe and Free Campaign.  Please become a member of the ACLU and visit the Action Center to get active.  Freedom cannot defend itself.

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