From an American in Saudi Arabia

Submitted by Monica Stowers (Saudi Arabia), Jan 31, 2003 at 01:42

I agree with you 100%. I currently live in Saudi Arabia, and if some of these protesters could experience the censorship of the press and schools that goes on here, they might sing a different tune. I have been reading your articles with great interest as they are right on target. You have an extraordinary insight into this part of the world.

Thank you for testifying at the congressional government reform hearings in June 2002 headed by Con. Dan Burton of Indiana. The topic was American children who were not allowed to leave Saudi Arabia. My daughter Amjad was one of those discussed. Without a free press and a freedom to express a different view, even our democratic government would become riddled with the kind of corruption that is endemic here.

It will have to be the responsibility of civics teachers in universities to take a more aggressive stand in promoting freedom of speech in universities. When I went to college in the 70's they were much more active!

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