|
|
|
|||||
|
For the 20th consecutive year, the Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression celebrated the April 13 birth date of its namesake by awarding “Jefferson Muzzles” to those responsible for some of the more egregious or ridiculous affronts to free expression occurring in the previous year. Making up the list of “winners” receiving the 2011 Jefferson Muzzle are officials at every level of government—federal, state, local—and two private entities. “Looking back over the past 20 years, it becomes apparent that, although the office holders may change, many in the same offices have made repeat appearances,” said Center director Robert O’Neil. “For example, with the Obama Administration receiving a Muzzle this year, every presidential administration of the last 20 years, Republican and Democrat, has been deemed deserving of a Muzzle. Similarly, the Smithsonian Institution, the Virginia Department of Corrections, and Albemarle High School are making repeat appearances on the 2011 list.” Below is a list of all the 2011 Jefferson Muzzle “winners.” To learn what they did to earn this dubious distinction, please visit the official Jefferson Muzzle webpage. 1) It's for your own safety. Those oily pelicans are really disguised terrorists. The Obama Administration and BP 2) I really need to get something off my chest. The Transportation Security Administration 3) Now Showing at the Smithsonian: “Artistic Intolerance” G. Wayne Clough, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution 4) There are already enough lawyers in prison. The Virginia Department of Corrections 5) What do you get for interrupting the judge—twenty lashes? Mississippi State Court Judge Talmadge Littlejohn. 6) What do you mean, “No such book”? It was here last week! Gail Sweet, director of the Burlington County [New Jersey] Library System 7) Today’s gym exercise is hauling these bundles of newspapers to the dumpster. Albemarle High School Administration [Virginia] 8) Is Hamilton College Safe for Men? The Administration of Hamilton College
(Electronic mail, April 13, 2011)
|
