Subscribe
Free Speech Zone
The Free Speech Zone offers a space for contributions from readers, without editing by the TC Daily Planet. This is an open forum for articles that otherwise might not find a place for publication, including news articles, opinion columns, announcements and even a few press releases. Click here and follow directions to submit an article.
Transparency: We ask that you identify any connection or interest that you have in what you are writing about. For example, if you are employed by a political campaign and you are writing about a candidate, you should disclose that fact. If your article is a press release for an organization, please say so.
Tone and style: We hope your submissions will be constructive, accurate, and submitted in the spirit of contributing to civic dialogue. That is a guideline, but it is not a requirement for publication—the Free Speech Zone will not impose “politeness” standards. We encourage everyone to add a short bio at the end of your article.
The Free Speech Zone is a work-in-progress, which will be shaped by your contributions and participation.
John McCain's Dan Quayle
Let’s put things in perspective: The United States faces many problems that threaten our way of life, our standing in the world, and the planet itself: two wars, a recession, an energy quagmire, an overheated planet, a health care crisis, unlawful immigration, and a loss of respect around the world. MORE »
Where is the Color in the Twin Cities?: Looking for reasons why the Great Battle is so white…with thanks to Betita Martinez
“Four protesters of color from different Bay Area organizations talked about the “culture shock” they experienced when they first visited the “Convergence,” the protest center set up by the Direct Action Network, a coalition of many organizations. Said one, “When we walked in, the room was filled with young whites calling themselves anarchists. There was a pungent smell, many had not showered. We just couldn’t relate to the scene so our whole group left right away.” “Another told me, “They sounded dogmatic and paranoid.” “I just freaked and left,” said another. “It wasn’t just race, it was also culture, although race was key.” from Betita Martinez, “Where was the Color in Seattle?…” MORE »
Free speech and the anarchic convergence of irony
Wow. Like most of us on the generally quiet West Side of Saint Paul, I was shocked to wake up this morning and learn that my neighborhood had been the site of a giant police raid, claims of anarchist rabble-rousing, and midnight mayhem even before a well-heeled Republican invasion of our city. MORE »
Free people in a free country are free to use their cameras
The Society of Professional Journalists responded to a spate of reports of police harassment of journalists with the press release re-published below: MORE »
