Tag Archives: cartoon

By: Dontré L. Conerly

Freedom of Press? Artist: Sean Delonas

As a journalist, social activist, and all-around big mouth, I am for Freedom of Speech–believe me! However, I have been conflicted of late as to whether or not there should be controls on it, given its sometimes-hateful nature and ability to incite anger. Ann Coulter and Bill O’Reilly immediately come to mind when I think of the controls that should be placed on what someone says or prints in the public sphere. I can recall Coulter making the assertion that former President Clinton is gay; and on a different occasion, alleging that wives of men who died in the World Trade Center were simply lining their pockets from the media attention they sought. Both inciteful statements. O’Reilly, with his interminable flow of stupidity, walked into my community (a mere four blocks from my house) and was surprised to find the world-famous Sylvia’s restaurant was “just like any other,” despite the fact that it is black-owned and operated. Continue reading →