The First Amendment guarantees freedom of speech and the press. Its language is clear and unambiguous. Nevertheless, in a political climate informed by fear and intolerance, it is being challenged more and more. Under the rubric of family values such books as Diary of Anne Frank and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn are removed from library shelves. Self-appointed guardians of public morality seek to limit what music we can hear and what films we can see. Their vigilance has now extended to the Internet.

Erwin Knoll
Erwin Knoll, a vigorous opponent of censorship and a champion of the First Amendment, was one of this country's most distinguished journalists. He was a reporter and editor at the Washington Post and served as White House correspondent for the Newhouse Newspapers. In 1973 he became the editor of The Progressive magazine and held that position until his death in 1994.