Category Archives: Freedom

Freedom of speech is a vital democratic liberty that many of us take for granted, with most Australians firmly believing that they have, and that they should have the right to free speech.

Associate Professor Katharine Gelber from UQ's School of Political Science and International Studies has made it her mission to explore these rights and protect freedom of expression by establishing herself as a leading researcher and commentator on speech regulation in Australia.

Dr Gelber has secured a total of over $1.4 million in Australian Research Council (ARC) funding (as well as other research funds) to publish extensively on this topic, and is using her ARC Future Fellowship to work on her current project, Free Speech after 9/11.

This comparative, four-country study of the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia focuses on the often overlooked phenomenon of speech-restricting measures that have been ushered in to support counter-terrorism policy.

I will use this four-year research position to investigate how some anti-terrorism measures introduced after 9/11 infringed on one of the key civil liberties that is the reason for our being targeted by terrorists in the first place, Dr Gelber said.

Dr Gelber's broader research surrounding human rights and freedom of speech focuses on the interface between political culture and legal frameworks in the arena of speech regulation.

My work looks at understanding how freedom of speech is protected, philosophical debates about why it ought to be protected, and when it might justifiably be limited, such as in the regulation of hate speech and how it has changed over time in response to legal restrictions, she said.

Dr Gelber believes that freedom of speech ought not to be considered in absolutist terms, and that there are some appropriate limits to freedom of expression one of the most obvious of these being vilification a speech or expression which is capable of instilling or inciting hatred of, or prejudice towards, a person or group of people on a specified ground.'

If it can be established that vilification is able to prevent individuals from developing their capacities to participate as full members of our community, and by doing so to prevent their equal participation as citizens and community members, then there is an argument for its regulation, she said.

In Australia, finding the right balance between freedom of speech on the one hand and appropriate limits on the other is not easy, but what Dr Gelber is trying to do is outline a framework within which we might be able to make sensible decisions about where that balance might lie.

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Protecting freedom of expression

Have you seen the Gang of 4.? The people pictured above are known as Dennis The Menace, The Beaver, Keith Partridge and Archie Bunker. Have no fear, the good news is that they were and still are widely popular TV personalities and theyre coming to your home.

KAUT Freedom 43 TV will air classic TV shows, Dennis The Menace, Leave It To Beaver, The Partridge Family and All In The Family at the same time they air on its sister station, Antenna TV, starting at 2:00pm on Monday, September 17th. Freedom 43 can be seen over the air on channel 43.1 (Cox cable channel 714) and Antenna TV can be seen over the air on channel 4.2, (Cox cable channel 247).

Dennis, also known as a neighborhood menace, is a TV show kid originally based on a comic strip by Hank Ketcham. Dennis The Menace is the only child of Henry and Alice Mitchell. He means well but is a trouble prone boy who often aggravates his neighbor, Mr. Wilson. See for yourself starting Monday at 2:00 on Freedom 43 TV and Antenna TV.

The Beaver, is the nickname of Theodore The Beaver Cleaver. He lives with his brother Wally and his wonderful parents, June and Ward. The Beaver often gets into trouble but thanks to his wise and understanding parents, everything turns out A-Okay in the end. Catch The Beav at 3:00pm.

The third member of the Gang of 4 is Keith Partridge. He was the Justin Bieber of his day; back in the 1970s. Teenage girls went gaga over Keith. His family was a musically talented bunch and they sure looked good in bellbottom pants. To take a quote from their song, youll get happy when you watch him at 4:00pm.

The last member of the Gang of 4 is Archie Bunker. Simply put, hes a big grump with a not so modern (often downright bigoted) point of view.He is not afraid to speak his mind and rattle your nerves. Its All In The Family at 5:00pm.

In addition to these classic TV shows airing in daytime, Freedom 43 TV is revamping much of its programming schedule starting on Monday, September 17th. The hit show Friends moves into primetime with back-to-back episodes each weeknight starting at 7:00pm followed by two episodes of Rules of Engagement featuring Norman, Oklahomas own Megyn Price as Audrey at 8:00pm.

The Freedom 43 News at 9:00pm is followed by an hour of one of televisions most popular shows, M*A*S*H beginning at 9:30pm. After M*A*S*H theres an hour of 30 Rock followed by double runs of How I Met Your Mother and The Office.

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Freedom 43 TV’s New Fall Lineup

Published: Sept. 15, 2012 at 12:09 PM

BEIRUT, Lebanon, Sept. 15 (UPI) -- Religious freedom is "indispensable for peace" and forgiveness key to reconciliation, Pope Benedict XVI said in Lebanon Saturday.

Benedict was in Lebanon as part of his three-day visit to the Middle East.

"Religious freedom has a social and political dimension, which is indispensable for peace," the pope said.

When he arrived in Lebanon Friday, the pontiff said he came to the region as "pilgrim of peace," Voice of America reported.

His visit came as anti-American protests spread across the region over a film produced in the United States denigrating the Prophet Muhammad.

People cheered Saturday as the papal motorcade went to the presidential palace, where President Michel Suleiman greeted the pope, The (Beirut) Daily Star said.

Benedict said only by "rejecting revenge, acknowledging one's faults, accepting apologies without demanding them, and, not least, forgiveness ... can there be growth in understanding and harmony between cultures and religions."

He criticized religious fundamentalism as a "falsification of religion."

Suleiman said Christians were key in achieving democracy, the Star reported.

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Religious freedom key for peace, pope says

Freedom quarterback Jimmy Kealy ran for three touchdowns and the Patriots scored twice in a span of 42 seconds of the third quarter Friday night in a 38-29 upset of Olympia.

Kealy scored on runs of 2, 17 and 6 yards the final touchdown coming midway through the fourth quarter and sealing the victory.

Olympia running back John Armstrong also ran for three touchdowns

"It felt really good to get three touchdowns rushing," Kealy said. "The first two games we have been passing a lot and we threw a good bit tonight, but we thought we would be able to run. The offensive line was blocking really good."

The game turned around in that 42-second span of the third quarter.

Olympia (1-2), No. 5 in the Sentinel Super 16, held a 21-14 lead at halftime but mistakes by the Titans were costly in the third quarter.

Freedom (2-1), No. 16 in the rankings, got the 17-yard run by Kealy with 9:30 left in the third. Twice on the extra point try, Olympia was penalized, moving the ball to inside the 1. Instead of trying for the extra point a third time, Freedom coach Andy Johnson sent his offense on the field and Kealy scored the 2-point conversion, putting the Patriots up 22-21.

Then on the kickoff, the Patriots used a squib kick.

An Olympia player trying to field the ball slipped on the field and Freedom's Robin Nezius recovered at the Olympia 33. Four plays later Devin Cortese scored on a 10-yard run with 8:48 left in the third quarter.

The mistakes continued for Olympia, as receiver Joe Gallagher couldn't hang onto a pass after he got free deep and quarterback Deondre Francois' pass was tipped in the end zone and intercepted by Stephon Williams.

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Freedom twice in 42 seconds, upsets Olympia | Video

By MARK PUKALO | Tbo.com Published: September 14, 2012 Updated: September 14, 2012 - 10:28 PM

Freedom quarterback Taylor King scored the winning touchdown a 1-yard touchdown dive on third down in overtime to spoil Brandons home opener.

The Patriots (1-2) trailed 14-6 midway through the fourth quarter. King connected with Alunte Fleshman for a 12-yard scoring strike and a 2-point conversion with 4:06 remaining in regulation.

You get your playmakers in position and they stepped up, Freedom coach Todd Donohoe said.

Brandon (0-2) drove inside the Freedom 2-yard line, but Willie Burkharts 20-yard field goal was wide as time expired in the fourth quarter.

Alonsos Aaron Cox recovered a fumble in overtime to set up the winning opportunity. He also intercepted a Brandon pass.

Nate Godwin returned a punt 80 yards for a touchdown to score the first quarters only points.

which turned over the ball at the Brandon 2-yard line later in the first quarter. Dooley and Isaiah Harris had touchdown runs in the second quarter for the Eagles.

Freedom

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Freedom 20, Brandon 14, Final/OT

The Sparta Post 100 American Legion Freedom Honor Flight will leave La Crosse with 100 veterans Sept. 22.

"I recommend it for anybody," said 85-year-old Robert "Bud" Whereatt.

Whereatt, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II, went on the Freedom Flight last May with his daughter, Terri Whereatt.

"I'd just broken my ankle, but I went," said Whereatt.

The flights cost $500 per person, and veterans fly at no charge.

Although Post 100 is located in Sparta, Gail Raddatz and Bill Bohn, co-chairs of the Freedom Flight Committee, emphasize the countywide nature of the effort. Thirty veterans from Tomah and 29 from Sparta have taken off from La Crosse since 2008, when the program started in Monroe County.

"It's all done by volunteers. It's like people just want to be a part of it," Terri Whereatt said.

The veterans are accompanied by a photographer and cameraman and provided with a photo album and DVD after the trip is over.

"It's not only an honor for the post, it's an honor for our sponsors," said Bohn, a retired Navy corpsman.

The Whereatts flew out of a private hangar at La Crosse Airport at 5:30 a.m. May 12.

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Freedom Flight Takes Off

Freedom House, in Green Bay,is used to asking for donations of money or food, but this time the homeless shelter needs votes.

"We can get the vote out when we need to. I mean, we're the owners, are we the owners of the Mirror Ball from Dancing with the Stars? So the Packer nation can be motivated," said Robyn Davis, president of Freedom House.

Freedom House was nominated for the Chase Community Giving program and is eligible for a grant ranging from $10,000 to $250,000.

All it takes is a click of the mouse at the Chase Community Giving program Facebook page.

Winning this grant money means Freedom House would be able to help more families.

It can serve up to 12 familiesin house, but 72 families are currently on the waiting list

"That includes 76 adults and 154 children. So, there's a lot of need out there that we would really love the opportunity to help more," explained Davis.

One resident at Freedom House knows what it's like to be on that waiting list.

She waited for three months.

"When we got that call from Freedom House saying we could come in, it was just a blessing. We were so happy," said Pauline Silas.

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Freedom House Needs Votes to Win Grant

Freedom Park for protests proposed in Bukidnon capitol grounds By Walter I. Balane | Friday| September 14, 2012 | Filed under: Top Stories

MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews/13 Sept) The Bukidnon Sangguniang Panlalawigan has passed a resolution urging Gov. Alex Calingasan to designate a freedom park in an area within the property of the provincial government where citizens can freely air their grievances and hold rallies and protests without need for securing permit.

Sponsored by board member Jay Albarece, a lawyer who worked with labor groups prior to his election in 2010, the resolution was passed in the aftermath of a string of protests led by Kaugalingong Sistema sa Igpasasindog to Lumadnong Ogpaan (Kasilo) for 12 families who evacuated from Sitio Kirangol, Dao in the municipality of San Fernando after reported harassments from paramilitary groups in the area on August 20.

Calingasan issued Executive Order 87 on September 3 providing stricter regulations regarding the assembly of individuals staging protests or creating infrastructures within the compounds of the provincial capitol which impedes the normal function of government offices.

Albarece cited that Article III of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provided that no law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.

Although admittedly subject to certain limitations, these rights of expression, of the press and to peaceably assemble form the very foundation of our democratic society and must therefore be protected and upheld, Albarece said in his draft, which was passed unanimously Wednesday.

He said to ensure the untrammeled exercise of these freedoms by the citizens without sacrificing public order, peace and security, as well as cleanliness in the provincial capitol grounds, there is a need to designate a portion of the capitol grounds as a freedom park where people can assemble and speak without fear of arrest, dispersal, or prosecution.

Board member Roland Deticio cited that Malaybalay City already has a freedom park and raised the possible problem of distraction in case a freedom park is designated when the province has formal functions like the Kaamulan festival.

Vice Gov. Jose Ma. R. Zubiri Jr. said the area can be assigned away from the city center even if he submitted that it is now up to the provincial governor to identify its location.

There is nothing wrong if we have two parks, he added.

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‘Freedom Park’ for protests proposed in Bukidnon capitol grounds

13 September 2012 Last updated at 15:18 ET

Paralympic gold medallist Hannah Cockroft has been awarded the freedom of the Borough of Calderdale.

Large crowds cheered as Cockroft returned to her hometown of Halifax, West Yorks, to receive the honour.

Earlier the 20-year-old joined fellow West Yorkshire Paralympians David Stone, Claire Cashmore and Ali Jawad at a special ceremony in Leeds.

Wheelchair racer Cockroft won two gold medals in the women's T34 100m and 200m wheelchair sprints.

Cockroft said: "Seeing all these people it is just amazing. I just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported me."

She added she was "honoured" to become a Freewoman of the Borough.

A crowd of more than 300 had greeted Cockroft and other Paralympians in Leeds earlier.

Lord Mayor of Leeds Ann Castle said the event in Millennium Square was "the perfect way to mark" their achievements.

Cyclist David Stone, 31, from Rawdon, West Yorkshire, won gold in the cycling mixed T1-2 road race.

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Freedom honour for Paralympian

BY JEN ARMSTRONG Contributing Writer

Eleven years after the tragedy that prompted the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, twelve soldiers who answered the call and sacrificed all have been permanently memorialized.

Family and friends were in attendance on Sunday afternoon in Camden where Freedom Park was dedicated to the twelve men from throughout Oneida County who lost their lives in combat since 9/11.

We are who we are because of their sacrificethey died so that might live and carry on the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness, said Vincent Thompson during a moving address that paid homage to the brotherhood of protectors which included his son, Army Specialist Blair Thompson, who died in 2010 in Afghanistan at age 19. The loss of a soldier is a loss for us all, Thompson added, his thoughtful words prompting a standing ovation from the audience which included family members who traveled from as far as Michigan and Florida to attend.

County Executive Anthony Picente said the new Freedom Park will serve as a constant reminder of what each soldier and family sacrificed for the sake of freedom.

State Sen. Joe Griffo also spoke, reflecting on the events of 9/11 and echoing the words of former President John F. Kennedy. They attacked the symbols of America, but they could not defeat the essence of America, Griffo remarked, and after that day, these brave young soldiers answered the call.

Members of the New Hartford Color Guard played Taps before an audience that included veterans and Gold Star families from across Oneida County.

Theresa Oleski, mother of Marine Lance Corporal Blaise Oleski from Holland Patent, said even before the location of the park was announced, she had often visited the creek side site while in Camden working, reflecting on the life and sacrifice of her son while overlooking the water. Her sons name is now among the 12 etched into the granite monument in Freedom Park.

Local officials were in attendance, including town Supervisor Dan Yerdon and County Legislator Mike Waterman, along with U.S. Rep. Richard Hanna.

Camden Cycle Riders; the organization responsible for constructing the park; began a comprehensive fundraising campaign last summer, hosting memorial rides and a paver drive that brought in thousands in monetary donations. Chairman Frank Bergin said he was overwhelmed with the support and generosity.

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Freedom Park officially opens