While hyping a claim to be the agent of change and reform, it appears the maverick's minions missed the message. In another example of the rising price of free speech, Amy Goodman and other journalists became targets of its repression.

Much like the rationalization of preemptive war to preserve world order, it appears that we are on a new path here at home; preemptive arrest.

Even before the incarceration of Goodman's production crew, who were filming police treatment of protesters outside the convention, a local court had actually granted police a warrant to raid another film crew, there to document police and protesters, and seize their computers, hard drives and equipment. (See link to story below)

This was not part of the investigation of a crime. No crime was in progress. Or we have certainly turned a significant corner if documentary film making has become a criminal activity.

For those of us who remember the melee in Chicago in '68, at the Democratic convention, where police rioted in the face of organized demonstrations against another war, or have otherwise found ourselves at the business end of a police club for opposing the status quo, we know the strategy is to intimidate and preempt dissent.

The attack on journalists and free speech is an effort to make sure the whole world's not watching.

Just how does this episode fit with the promise to get government out of our way? Is this how McCain intends to shake up Washington?

For a first hand account listen to Amy Goodman, moderator of Democracy Now, recount these events and explain their significance. (See link to video below)

What is the basis for fearing open protest critical of government? What if they had burned Paine's pamphlets? Destroyed Franklin's presses?

Once again we have seen the enemy, and it is us.