This BBC article describes a new initiative by the Australian government, designed to outlaw books and other media perceived to advocate or glorify terrorism. In the Australian administration's own words, public safety overrides the issue of free speech.

This would mean that Australians can no longer enjoy reading fiction such as Eric Frank Russell's Wasp - one of the books on my personal top ten list of literary excellence.

I suppose this could signify the official death of one of my cynical alter ego's favorite (top ten) phrases: "Only in America." It seems now the whole world is smitten with madness. In its fallen brother's stead, however, a reverent recital of one of my top ten favorite quotes seems more than fitting:

"People who are willing to give up freedom for the sake of short term security, deserve neither freedom nor security." - Benjamin Franklin