Let's take a field trip to a great site about the power of the political cartoonist as exemplified by Herbert Block. We're off to Washington, DC to the Library of Congress' Swann Gallery!
http://www.loc.gov/rr/print/swann/herblock/crook.html
Monday, September 20, 2010
The Right to Offend: Nixon's Take
President Richard Nixon was not an enthusiastic supporter of free speech, particularly when it came to speech by those who sought to undermine his objectives. In this clip from June 29, 1971
on the White House Telephone system, he talks with legal adviser Charles Colson about the leaked secret government documents about the Vietnam War, the Pentagon Papers. They discuss the leaker, Daniel Ellsberg, and Nixon hopes that Ellsberg can be tied in with subversives. The president complains about "intellectual types who have no loyalty" and who weren't elected who think they are the ones to determine what's best for the country.
Nixon refers to Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers in his Speech to Former POWs, May 24, 1973
From Oct. 26, 1973 Press Conference, six days after the Saturday Night Massacre. The Saturday Night Massacre was the term given by political commentators to President Richard Nixon's executive dismissal of independent special prosecutor Archibald Cox, and the resignations of Attorney General Elliot Richardson and Deputy Attorney General William Ruckelshaus on October 20, 1973 during the Watergate scandal.
on the White House Telephone system, he talks with legal adviser Charles Colson about the leaked secret government documents about the Vietnam War, the Pentagon Papers. They discuss the leaker, Daniel Ellsberg, and Nixon hopes that Ellsberg can be tied in with subversives. The president complains about "intellectual types who have no loyalty" and who weren't elected who think they are the ones to determine what's best for the country.
Nixon refers to Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers in his Speech to Former POWs, May 24, 1973
From Oct. 26, 1973 Press Conference, six days after the Saturday Night Massacre. The Saturday Night Massacre was the term given by political commentators to President Richard Nixon's executive dismissal of independent special prosecutor Archibald Cox, and the resignations of Attorney General Elliot Richardson and Deputy Attorney General William Ruckelshaus on October 20, 1973 during the Watergate scandal.
Free Speech: McCarthyism
Reporter/newscaster Edward R. Murrow warns of the dangers of McCarthyism on his show "See it Now" on March 9, 1954:
The same comments were used by actor David Strathairn (pronounced struh-THAIRN) when he depicted Murrow in the 2005 film Good Night, and Good Luck.
The same comments were used by actor David Strathairn (pronounced struh-THAIRN) when he depicted Murrow in the 2005 film Good Night, and Good Luck.
Free Speech: John Adams' Changing Viewpoints
As an American Revolutionary leader, when speaking as Delegate from Massachusetts, John Adams declared that "Liberty will reign!"
As President, Adams endorsed the Alien and Sedition Acts to maintain order.
As President, Adams endorsed the Alien and Sedition Acts to maintain order.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
The Right to Offend: Freedom of Speech in America
From the clever people at http://www.motifake.com/free-speech-protected-right-demotivational-poster-104133.htmlI'm really excited about my upcoming course at Clark College. Do you remember the Fred Friendly series about the Constitution? I used to love those shows. Yes, I am a politics/history geek and proud of it. He kicked around a lot of interesting questions with various people who sat in a big circle.
I decided to offer a similar experience to local mature learners. This first set of classes will focus on the First Amendment freedoms of speech and of the press; in the winter, I will offer an examination of the freedom of religion (some say "from religion") found in the Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses.
I am psyched!!
Here's the official course description. Let me know what you think I should include. I have some ideas, of course, but I am always open to your thoughts, interwebs!
Exercise your right to speak your mind in this discussion-based class, as we examine some of the principles and practices arising from the First Amendment. Class will begin with a review of the historical basis of the right to free speech, and then dive into some recent examples in our community and in Supreme Court decisions. This is the first of a series examining the Bill of Rights. Mature Learning classes are for people age 55 and older only.
Register here for a good time.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Musicians in Art
The intersection between music and art is our topic for today.
Our first artist is Marc Chagall.
Marc Chagall was born on July 7, 1887 in Vitebsk, Russia. In 1932 he moved to France. He lived in the United States from 1941 to 1948, and then returned to France. He died in France on March 28. 1985. His painting styles are Expressionism and Cubism. In his paintings, he often painted violinists because he played the violin and also in memory of his uncle, who also played. He was also famous for his paintings of Russian-Jewish villages.
Stern was a Ukranian-born violin virtuoso who moved to the US with his family as a baby in 1920. He died just 10 years ago. He was famous for his wonderful musical ability.
Fiddler on the Roof by Marc Chagall animated by Raz Shelach
Three Takes on Pablo Picasso's The Three Musicians :43 and 2:17 and :38
Now it's time for a mini-field trip. We're off to Seattle to see EMP - Experience Music Project!
The building is really unusual. It was designed by architect Frank Gehry. Some people say it is shaped like a giant guitar that was smashed.
Inside are many interesting exhibits about music, with interactive displays so you can make your own music. Here, an artist used many guitars to create a multi-story sculpture.
If you're interested in visiting EMP, you can take advantage of the Free Smithsonian Day offered in September. Visit this link for more details. Admission to EMP includes entry to the very interesting Science Fiction Museum.
Now let's zip down to New Orleans and meet artist George Rodrigue.
His work often features musicians, especially jazz band musicians. He's going to talk to us about one of his iconic figures, the Blue Dog.
Finally, I have a fun image to share with you - a poster of a band painted as though they were from centuries ago.
Our first artist is Marc Chagall.
Marc Chagall was born on July 7, 1887 in Vitebsk, Russia. In 1932 he moved to France. He lived in the United States from 1941 to 1948, and then returned to France. He died in France on March 28. 1985. His painting styles are Expressionism and Cubism. In his paintings, he often painted violinists because he played the violin and also in memory of his uncle, who also played. He was also famous for his paintings of Russian-Jewish villages.
Here is a video of some of his work set to music by Jerry Bock. The music is from a score of "Fiddler on the Roof" and the violin solo is by Isaac Stern.
Photo taken by David Michael Kennedy in 1982
Photo taken by David Michael Kennedy in 1982Fiddler on the Roof by Marc Chagall animated by Raz Shelach
Three Takes on Pablo Picasso's The Three Musicians :43 and 2:17 and :38
Now it's time for a mini-field trip. We're off to Seattle to see EMP - Experience Music Project!
The building is really unusual. It was designed by architect Frank Gehry. Some people say it is shaped like a giant guitar that was smashed.
Inside are many interesting exhibits about music, with interactive displays so you can make your own music. Here, an artist used many guitars to create a multi-story sculpture.
If you're interested in visiting EMP, you can take advantage of the Free Smithsonian Day offered in September. Visit this link for more details. Admission to EMP includes entry to the very interesting Science Fiction Museum.Now let's zip down to New Orleans and meet artist George Rodrigue.
His work often features musicians, especially jazz band musicians. He's going to talk to us about one of his iconic figures, the Blue Dog.Finally, I have a fun image to share with you - a poster of a band painted as though they were from centuries ago.
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