Author and journalist Ellis Cose to discuss free speech crisis Sept. 21

Critically acclaimed author Ellis Cose will bring a discussion of his latest book, “The Short Life and Curious Death of Free Speech in America,” to the Lewes community at 5 p.m., Monday, Sept. 21, in a free online program from the Lewes Public Library and Browseabout Books.

Cose’s powerful new book explores one of the most essential rights in America – free speech – and reveals how it is crumbling under the combined weight of polarization, technology, money and systemized lying. He argues the safeguards built into the U.S. Constitution to protect free speech and democracy have instead become instruments of suppression.

In an engaging conversation with professor Nadine Strossen, Cose will shed light on this cornerstone of American culture, and offer a clarion call for activism and change.

Registration is required via the Lewes Public Library’s website, lewes.lib.de.us. Participants are also encouraged to support the author by purchasing a copy of the book from local independent bookstore Browseabout Books. Each copy purchased comes with an archival bookplate signed by the author. Orders may be placed in person or by calling the store at 302-226-2665.

Cose was a Newsweek columnist and contributing editor for 17 years, chairman of the editorial board of the New York Daily News, and the inaugural writer in residence for the ACLU. He is the author of a dozen books on issues of international concern, including the bestselling “The Rage of a Privileged Class” and has appeared on the “Today Show,” “Nightline,” “Good Morning America,” and numerous other nationally televised programs.

Nadine Strossen is the John Marshall Harlan II Professor of Law, emerita, at New York Law School. Strossen has written, taught, and advocated extensively in the areas of constitutional law and civil liberties, and served as president of the American Civil Liberties Union from 1991 to 2008.