SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE:

MAYBE THERE'S HOPE:   From College Fix:   The University of Chicago reportedly plans to create a Center for Freedom of Expression that will include research and training on free speech.  “The new center will engage scholars, community leaders, public officials, and policy makers to better understand and advocate for the principles of free expression,” according to a job opening on the university’s website.  The director “will develop robust programs to encourage students to develop the skills and habits of mind that are essential to scholarly discourse” and the new hire “will promote a commitment to free expression and open discourse both within and beyond the University of Chicago.” That's my alma mater, and it has championed the notion of free speech.  I'd be cautious about this, though.  In recent years the university has moved to the left, with some bizarre behavior by some students.  A center for freedom of expression sounds good, but I want to see the reality. It all depends on how they define freedom of expression.  The Soviet constitution also guaranteed free expression.

FREE IRANIAN JOURNALISTS FLEE UK FOR US:  From Reuters:  A London-based television station critical of the Iranian government said on Saturday it was moving its live broadcasting studios to the United States following threats it faced in Britain.  Iran has accused regional rival Saudi Arabia of funding the Persian-language Iran International channel, which has covered anti-government protests in the Islamic Republic extensively. Saudi Arabia has not commented on Tehran’s allegations.“After a significant escalation in state-backed threats from Iran and advice from the Metropolitan Police, Iran International TV says it has reluctantly closed its London studios and moved broadcasting to Washington DC,” the channel said in a statement.
The decision came days after London police said an Austrian national had been charged with a terrorism offense after being detained in Chiswick Business Park, where Iran International’s headquarters is located.  “We still have serious concerns for the safety of people working at this company. This has led to us giving further advice and the company is now relocating,” police counter-terrorism head Matt Jukes said in a statement. There is also news that Iran will soon receive a number of advanced Russian fighters, making the country even deadlier than it is today.  Our enemies, including Iran, Russia, and China, are becoming more aggressive.  I don't see any great concern in the White House. 

February 18, 2023