With the government granting itself sweeping surveillance powers, castigating its critics as unpatriotic, and equating differing opinions with abetting 'America's enemies', free speech seems an early casualty of the war on terrorism. This book demonstrates that to sacrifice our freedom of speech is to surrender the very heart and soul of America.
"Outspoken is heartwarming and inspiring, as it reminds us that there are people who refuse to be cowed into obedience, who maintain their resistance to war and injustice against all odds."-Howard Zinn, author of A People's History of the United States
"Nan Levinson, herself one of this nation's free speech heroes, brings the First Amendment to life by telling the stories of those who have fought for the freedom we so often take for granted, but that is increasingly under attack. This book shows in funny, tragic, and lurid detail why the freedom of speech is worth fighting for."-David Cole, author of No Equal Justice
"Levinson's book couldn't come at a more important time. These compelling tales are increasingly relevant now that our civil liberties are being threatened in the name of 'national security.' Outspoken should be required reading for anyone interested in preserving the freedom we've come to take for granted in the United States."-Candida Royalle, Erotic film director and President, Femme Productions, Inc.
"In this imaginative and highly readable examination of dozens of provocative First Amendment controversies, Nan Levinson establishes herself as a resolute student of the role of free speech in a democratic society. This is an exceptional book about an endlessly important subject."-James O. Freedman, President Emeritus, Dartmouth College
