GLENARM (May 13, 1997) - The home of Jim McKee was again the meeting place for one of his regular monthly community get-togethers for discussion and insight (see past issues, Freedom Flyer). This time, Fp president Robert Metz shared the focus of discussion with Paul Fromm, the well-known activist whose political beliefs (see 'HRC Racist' Freedom Brief elsewhere in this issue) led to his being fired from the Peel Board of Education, where he had been employed as a teacher. Over 60 people showed up to hear his story, unfiltered by media bias.

Fromm blames the League for Human Rights of B'nai Brith for leading a lobby to have him fired, "not for any misdeeds in the classroom --- I've been repeatedly praised as an exemplary teacher --- but because of my political views."

Quoting the December 16, 1996 issue of Canadian Jewish News, Fromm cites his evidence: "'The Peel board of Education has been asked to determine whether teacher Paul Fromm has violated the board's multicultural policies by associating with racists. ...The request came from the League for Human Rights of B'nai Brith.'"

Fromm wants Revenue Canada to withdraw the charity status of B'nai Brith, arguing that the group is not a charity, but a political lobby. He is urging others to make their views on this issue known to The Auditor, Revenue Canada Charities, 400 cumberland St., 5th Floor, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0L5 (FAX: 613-952-6020).

In his comments to the gathering, Metz stressed that having the right to peacefully disagree with one another is a cornerstone of any free society.

"Freedom of speech is only meaningful if the most offensive and disagreeable comments and viewpoints are permitted to be expressed," he said. "It is not the viewpoints that a majority agrees with that need protection, it is only those views that a minority or individual wishes to express."

Judging by the general responses, questions, and anecdotes of attendees, it would certainly appear that most of the folks in Jim McKee's neighbourhood strongly value their freedom of speech, and are concerned by its erosion in Canada.

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