Indivisible-Boothbay is pleased to sponsor a panel discussion exploring freedom of the press in America today. A group of journalists from around the state will join members of Indivisible-Boothbay and the public on Tuesday, April 23 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Boothbay Harbor Rotary Building, 66 Montgomery Road.

The First Amendment to the Constitution states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” Yet in recent years, journalists have found themselves under attack by U.S. government officials including the president. Across the globe, investigative journalists have been placed in greater physical danger, and some have given their lives in pursuit of information.

The panelists will include: Joe Gelarden, retired from Indianapolis Star and columnist for the Boothbay Register; Cliff Schectman, managing editor, Portland Press Herald; John Swinconeck. , editor, Times Record; and Assistant Professor Laura Seay, Colby College, who writes for and edits the “Monkey Cage Blog” at the Washington Post. Their perspectives are sure to be fascinating.

Interested members of the public are welcome to attend. There is no charge. Indivisible-Boothbay is a nonpartisan group of citizen-activists in the Boothbay region. The group meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month, usually at the Rotary Building; all interested persons are welcome to attend.