I'll be going to the library this evening...

[rolanni]

WINSLOW -- Freedom-of-speech controversies still raging after Winslow's Fourth of July Parade will find a platform tonight at the Winslow Public Library.

The community is invited to a conversation with Waterville Bridges for Peace and Justice members and the executive director of Maine Civil Liberties Union, Shenna L. Bellows. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m.

The controversy originally erupted when a committee arranging the town's Fourth of July Parade denied one group a spot in the parade. Parade organizer Ron LeClair said he and other committee members barred Waterville Bridges for Peace and Justice from the event because of the group's pro-peace stance.

Here's the rest of the story.

Comments

[rolanni.livejournal.com]

Because every patriot knows that having an independent opinion is inappropriate for Independence Day.

Alas, this is the (continuing) stand of the parade committee and the town, despite many letters to the editors, upsets, and various excursions which are straining the fabric of the town's civility.

The Fourth of July, the committee maintains, is about "supporting" our troops. They seem to honestly believe that a call for peace is inconsistent with supporting honorable men and women doing what they have taken oath to do. It is to headdesk. And it's why this particular presentation at the library is so ...interesting. I salute Judy Larson, the town librarian. It will be even more interesting if any of the members of the committee or the town council actually attend.

[adina-atl.livejournal.com]

I remember shaking my head when you or Steve mentioned this on July 3rd. Bringing the troops home seems like one of the best forms of support.