Among Other Things: Could it Happen Again

Just finished reading "Darkest Before Dawn: Sedition and Free Speech in the American West" by UM journalism Professor Clem Work.

Much of it pertains to fanatical reactions to perceived seditious statements made by people during World War I. Sedition is defined as the illegal promotion of resistance against the government, usually in speech or writing.

The Montana sedition law was enacted by a special session of the Legislature in February 1918. It criminalized just about anything negative that was said or written about the government in time of war. The maximum penalty was 20 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

Particularly at risk of prosecution were folks of German ancestry. Also under fire were German language church services, school courses in German language, and even textbooks with references to Germany were burned.

A total of 74 persons were convicted of sedition during 1918-1919 under what Work termed "perhaps the harshest anti-speech law ever passed by any state in the history of the United States."

Work explained that most of the people convicted under the Montana sedition law "worked at menial blue collar or rural jobs. Half were farmers, ranchers, laborers and some were convicted on witness accounts of casual statements, which were often made in saloons."

Hardly an organized spy ring or group designed to overthrow the government despite how rancorous some may have sounded as they vented their frustrations.

Could it happen again in America?

Fortunately, freedom of speech and press are more closely protected today.

But over the years I've learned never to take anything for granted. There are so many hot trigger issues that raise emotional levels today — Iraq, Iran, abortion vs. pro-life, bird flu, unemployment, politics, the environment, subdivisions, zoning, yes, even the Wal-Mart controversy, and many others

In such emotional issues it's important that the people involved keep things in perspective. Listen respectfully to both sides, avoid hearsay and gossip, and focus on the issues.

After decisions are finally made, probably no one will be completely happy. But we all have to live together peacefully, respectfully and responsibly.