Barney Frank: “I want to welcome converts. I do not always get a chance to do that, but for years here I have tried to defend freedom…”

“I want to welcome converts. I do not always get a chance to do that, but for years here I have tried to defend freedom of expression, free speech and the first amendment. We have passed information censoring the Internet that was thrown out unanimously by the Supreme Court. We have passed other restrictions. And, frankly, I have usually found most of my friends on the other side voting for these restrictions, but today is the day of conversion. The first amendment and freedom of speech have gained today defenders that they have never had before. Unfortunately, I am afraid they will never have them in the future either. But, for instance, I was looking at the amendment that will be offered later by the majority leader in defense of the first amendment. The first four cases he cites are from the Warren Court. Oh, for the days of Warren and Douglas and Black and Brennan. That is the version of the first amendment that they are embracing, and if I thought that was a lasting embrace, I would welcome it. But it is a very temporary use of a particular version of the first amendment that they never had before and they will never have again.”