In the midst of national political turmoil, hurricanes, and the UN General Assembly, the New Jersey Legislature has scheduled a hearing (on short notice) on S 2421, entitled “The Freedom to Read” bill. This bill was introduced to counteract the know-nothings who want to censor school and public libraries.
The bill states: “The freedom to read is a human right, constitutionally protected by the First Amendment… and does not require that a person agree with topics or themes within the material, but instead allows a reader to explore and engage with differing perspectives in order to form their own opinion.”
This is a vitally important bill. Every dictatorship begins with censorship of written materials. In Russia and China, for instance, people are imprisoned for writing or reading “forbidden” materials. This is not the kind of world or New Jersey we want for anyone. There is no liberty in censorship of ideas.
Prayer for the Day
O God, you made us sentient beings with minds to think,
But there are those who would close us off from questions;
Our past is full of those fearful of writings opening us to question,
Wanting to censor thoughts and ideas found in books.
Remove us from such fear, O Lord, as we search for meaning,
And give us the hope that comes from reading.
In the name of the One who was unafraid to ask questions,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Censorship reflects a society’s lack of confidence in itself. It is the hallmark of authoritarian regimes.
Justice Potter Stewart, in Ginzburg v. U.S., 383 U.S. 463 (1966)
Censorship is the child of fear, the father of ignorance, and the desperate weapon of fascists everywhere.
Laurie Anderson, avant-garde poet, filmmaker
Your hands have made and fashioned me;
Give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice because I have hoped in your word.
I know, O Lord, that your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness you humble me.
Let your steadfast love become my comfort, according to the promise to your servant
Let your mercy come to me that I ma lie, for your law is my delight.
Psalm 119: 73-77