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Today in History (1862) - The U.S. government forbids all Union army officers from returning fugitive slaves, thus effectively annulling the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 and setting the stage for the Emancipation Proclamation. On the same day in 1865, the Confederate Congress voted to enlist 300,000 black troops, granting them freedom with the consent of their owners. Lee surrendered a few weeks later. |
Today in History (1735) - John Peter Zenger is acquitted of seditious libel against the royal governor of New York, on the basis that what he published was true. Two hundred fifty two years later, the FCC rescinds the Fairness Doctrine, which had required radio and television stations to "fairly" present controversial issues. Also, happy 75th birthday to Yasser Arafat!
"Peter Zenger is acquitted of seditious libel against the royal governor of New York, on the basis that what he published was true."
If only that was still a sufficient defense today!
Posted by: Deoxy at August 4, 2004 06:34 PM