How has the federal government limited and protected free speech rights over the course of American history? How have citizens responded when Washington has limited their speech rights? And what can Elon Musk’s commentary on online free speech tell us about the difficult lines between free speech, disinformation, and political power?
In this first installment of a three-episode series on free speech, censorship, and so-called cancel culture, Heather Cox Richardson and Joanne Freeman explore the Alien & Sedition Acts, the Palmer Raids and the post-WWI rise of the ACLU, and the 1980s debate over burning the American flag.
Join CAFE Insider to listen to “Backstage,” where Heather and Joanne chat each week about the anecdotes and ideas that formed the episode. Head to: cafe.com/history
For more historical analysis of current events, sign up for the free weekly CAFE Brief newsletter, featuring Time Machine, a weekly article that dives into an historical event inspired by each episode of Now & Then: cafe.com/brief
For references & supplemental materials, head to: cafe.com/now-and-then/free-speech-the-government-and-us
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Heather Cox Richardson on Stay Tuned with Preet
Then...and Now
Looking Ahead: A Viewers’ Guide to Presidential Debates
Looking Ahead to 2024: Conventions, Caucuses, and the Balance of Democracy
Pardons: Politics & Power
The Women’s World Cup, Title IX, and Power
Telling Tales of History: The Florida Problem
Unions, Strikes, and the Public: What Matters?
Barbie, G.I. Joe, and the Gang: Dolls Are Us
The Third Party Problem
The Titan, the Sea, and What We See
The American Nation and Indigenous Nations: Sovereignty & Struggle
Presidential Lawyer Problems
There's Something in the Water
Texas Tall-Tales, Ken Paxton…and Us
Encore: Women Warriors: Ukraine & Beyond
The American Wellness Continuum: Alternative Medicine
The American Wellness Continuum: Traditional Medicine
Veep: The Real Story
Not a Joke: Humor as Politics
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Irish Songs with Ken Murray
History Obscura
Historycal: Words that Shaped the World
The Rest Is History
Lore