Plugging Their Ears, Hamilton City Council Won't Hear Paul Fromm on Free Speech

Paul Fromm joins Brian Ruhe once again. Paul's website is http://cafe.nfshost.com . Paul sent this letter:
Canadian Association for Free Expression
Box 332,
Rexdale, Ontario, M9W 5L3
Ph: 905-289-674-4455; FAX: 289-674-4820;
Website http://cafe.nfshost.com

Paul Fromm, B.Ed, M.A. Director

Dear Mr. Whitehead:

Today your slick householder arrived in the mail.

I was amazed to read your paragraph "Civil Discourse and Citizen Engagement." You stress the importance ensuring "respectful discourse as the order of the day." Fine ideals -- civil discourse, citizen engagement.

Why, then, did you, as my councillor, not support my request to appear as a delegation this month on the issue of freedom of speech. I have over 25 years involvement in freedom of speech issues, having appeared numerous times assisting people in court cases or before human rights tribunals.

Frankly, I was shocked City Council would instruct staff to look at ways to restrict demonstrations on public property by controversial groups. I wanted to point out the the right to "petition the King" or more broadly to peacefully demonstrate goes back to Magna Carta in 1215. It is also covered by the freedom of speech and freedom of association provisions of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The apparently unanimous decision by Council NOT to hear a taxpayer, not to allow five minutes for "civil discourse" is disappointing. Equally so was the fact that I learned of the rejection within an hour from the mass media but did not have the courtesy of an e-mail from Council for 36 hours

I look forward to your reply.

Paul Fromm