 |
Washington Report, February 24, 1986, Page 4 Media Walking Tall in AtlantaWe don't actually burn books in America. But a February 3 note to the Washington Report from former Congressman Paul Findley, courageous author of They Dare to Speak Out, demonstrates that the Israel Lobby still practices its old intimidation tactics to silence critics of Israeli policies and those who question the Lobby's under handed tactics. Book burners and intimidators have, of course, the same objective: To deny the people their right to know the truth. Mr. Findley writes: From January 13-26, Turner Broadcasting System broadcast paid messages advertising my book, They Dare to Speak Out on CNN and Headline News. Within 24 hours of the first broadcast TBS received a number of protest calls from major advertisers warning Mr. Turner to cancel my advertising or risk losing theirs. Despite the pressure, Mr. Turner stood his ground and my advertising continued without change. In contrast, NBC radio in Chicago (WMAQ) refused to carry the same message. The CBS radio station in Chicago (WBBM) is still sitting on my order. In my view, Mr. Turner has taken a stand for freedom of speech. Will you please take a minute and send him a note applauding his decision? It would be a shame if all he gets is protest! They Dare to Speak Out documents literally hundreds of examples, including Congressman Findley's own case, in which American Zionists have attacked other Americans who argue that an even handed approach to the Arab Israeli Dispute will serve U.S. national interests. The great service of Findley's book is that it turns previously anecdotal material into scrupulously researched examples of how some Americans have let their "passionate attachment" for Israel weaken their attachment for the United States and dilute their plain duty, as Americans, to respect the honest opinions of other Americans. Congressman Findley's book has been a best seller in several U.S. cities despite efforts by Israel Firsters to keep it from the American people. It deserves even wider distribution. The Israel Lobby cannot refute the book's embarrassing revelations, for the simple reason that they are true. That's why they don't want you to read the book. We are sending Mr. Turner a congratulatory note. We hope a lot of you will do the same thing and strike a blow for the free speech guaranteed by the First Amendment. Mr. Turner's address is: Mr. Ted Turner, Chairman of the Board |