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University of Nebraska Omaha
Samuel Walker is professor of criminal justice at the University of Nebraska Omaha and the author of In Defense of American Liberties: A History of the ACLU. He is a former ACLU board member.
PROFILE
Samuel Walker
Guest
FROM Samuel Walker
To the Point
The ACLU when free speech turns violent "I may hate what you say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it." Some version of that old saying could be the motto of the American Civil Liberties Union. Most recently, it sued to protect the rights of white racists to rally in Charlottesville -- but since the protest turned deadly, there's been a backlash. Even some ACLU members have resigned, and the organization's on the defensive about the limits of free speech. Are America's constitutional protections too broad? Do they conflict with the right to bear arms? We hear about rules in Germany where free speech led to tyranny.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Justice Department investigation finds police bias in Baltimore A Justice Department investigation has found that the Baltimore Police Department has routinely discriminated against black citizens for years. The report issued Wednesday comes after a yearlong investigation following the death of Freddie Gray in April, 2015. Baltimore isn’t the only department that’s been investigated for biased policing by the Obama administration. Since 2000, the Department of Justice has scrutinized almost two dozen police forces around the country. How does Baltimore compare? And have reforms improved policing?
Recommended
To the Point
Is the threat from Russia missing from the Russia meddling probe? There's much being made about the Trump administration's possible ties with Russia. But the bottom line is Russia's effort to influence American democracy. Do the President and his aides care enough to take action before voters go back to the polls?
To the Point
What is Trump's plan for Middle East peace? On his first foreign tour, President Trump has promised "peace" between Israel and the Palestinians. Are there any details for re-starting talks that have been stalled for the past three years?
Left, Right & Center
The week that wouldn't quit Will next week get even weirder? (Special one-hour episode)
To the Point
Will the Senate write a healthcare bill in secret? While Democrats and Republicans argue White House relations with Russia, another question is being decided behind closed doors: who gets help buying health insurance and who doesn't? We hear how the pros and cons are being shrouded in secrecy.