The night the public was silenced in Lisbon Maine:

Tuesday's council meeting was the first meeting under the new
gag order rules issued at last months council meeting.

Last night a heavy feeling of control hung over the room as a
uniformed armed POLICE Officer stationed not six feet from

the podium, gazed intimidatingly around the room. Almost daring

anyone to take the floor. As I sat there, stunned by the third
world atmosphere in the room, I had an epiphany. For the first

time in my life I truly understood why our forefathers felt so 

strongly about freedom of speech. It is the right that supports

the rest of the rights.

The law of this land allows hate mongering radicals to protest
at the funerals of its fallen War Heroes.. but Lisbon Council
feels its necessary to silence its taxpayers.

If there was ever a question about how Lisbon's Councilors 

view "freedom of speech" it was answered last night. The entire
public participation section,of the meeting, lasted about 90 seconds.

Congratulations on your victory. You won't have anyone looking
over your shoulder questioning your judgment. You wont have
anyone at YOUR meetings.

Shame on you Lisbon Council for silencing us and shame

on us for letting you

F.E.Stacey