Here is how I propose to end book-banning in this country…
““Here is how I propose to end book-banning in this country once and for all: Every candidate for school committee should be hooked up to a lie detector and asked this question: “Have you read a book from start to finish since high school?” or “Did you even read a book from start to finish in high school?” If the truthful answer is “no,” then the candidate should be told politely that he cannot get on the school committee and blow off his big bazoo about how books make children crazy. Whenever ideas are squashed in this country, literate lovers of the American experiment write careful and intricate explanations of why all ideas must be allowed to live. It is time for them to realize that they are attempting to explain America at its bravest and most optimistic to orangutans. From now on, I intend to limit my discourse with dimwitted Savonarolas to this advice: "Have somebody read the First Amendment to the United States Constitution out loud to you, you God damned fool!" Well--the American Civil Liberties Union or somebody like that will come to the scene of trouble, as they always do. They will explain what is in the Constitution, and to whom it applies. They will win. And there will be millions who are bewildered and heartbroken by the legal victory, who think some things should never be said--especially about religion. They are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Hi ho.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker sat that extreme measures like lie detectors for school committee candidates would absurdly enforce reading habits, mocking censorship and defending free speech.
In simple terms: Extreme anti‑censorship stance using sarcasm.
Key Takeaway
Defend free speech, reject censorship.
Themes
free speech
censorship
politics
education
humor
Mood
ironic
defiant
critical
Type
satirical
political
humorous
When to use this quote
- school board elections
- literacy debates
- legal challenges
- media criticism
Key Concepts
Satire
constitutional rights
public discourse
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we protect free speech without resorting to absurd measures?
- What are effective ways to promote reading and critical thinking?
A Different Perspective
Such draconian tests ignore genuine qualifications and could be misused.