Welcome 2006

First podcast of the New Year!

In this show we’ll talk about politics and writing with a discussion about remarks by writer/filmmaker John Pilger. Are we uncontroversial guardians of the gates of literature or are we true to ourselves and step up to the plate to make our case? We also talk a little about the controversial book “Feet to the Fire,” an indictment of contemporary journalism and the news. Are we getting journalistic realty or TV ratings fluff? We also talk about the letter by Sharon Olds sent to Laura Bush deferring a poetry diner banquet. Olds is anti-war apparently. Would you turn down a chance to “break bread” with Laura Bush? And finally, we talk about Bush and the NSA scandal. Is it time to use the “I” word? Apparently the CNN audience thinks so.  Is it terrorists we’re seeking to subdue or is it dissent? Let’s talk about this stuff!

Join me as I talk about free speech and what it means to writers who feel the need to speak out about contemporary issues. The podcast runs approximately 30 minutes. Please comment on it at this blog. I want to hear your views. Have a great New Year!

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