Will We Let a Publisher Go to Prison?

Ray McGovern, CIA Soviet Foreign Policy Branch (retired) and co-founder of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity.

This winter, freedom of the press is in serious danger as publisher Julian Assange languishes in prison. As the extradition process of Julian Assange winds down in the UK, it is clear that this political case is now in our hands. The founders of the U.S. knew that tyranny is inevitable without a free press and so we have the first amendment. Can we muster the courage to safeguard it? Mr. McGovern will discuss Julian Assange’s case and its implications for our free press.

Ray McGovern led the CIA’s Soviet Foreign Policy Branch in the 70s; in the 80s, he prepared and briefed The President’s Daily Brief. Awarded the Intelligence Commendation Medallion at retirement, Ray returned it in 2006 explaining, “I do not want to be associated with an agency engaged in torture.”

In January 2003, he co-founded Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity to warn George W. Bush that intelligence on Iraq was fraudulent. Later, Ray took advantage of a unique chance to question Donald Rumsfeld on that issue.

Host: Ann Batiza

In-Person or Online

In-Person: In Max Otto Hall.

Online: Also available on our YouTube channel.

For over 50 years, the Sunday Forum lecture series has showcased provocative, sometimes controversial, speakers discussing topical issues of the day: politics, the environment, health issues, the arts, education, and more. The Sunday Forum is held at 10:00 a.m. September through May. Speakers give a 45-minute presentation, followed by questions and brief comments from the audience. The content of Forum lectures does not necessarily express the viewpoint of First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee, but are meant to offer thoughtful topics which our members often pursue further on their own.