Why The U.S. Needs Larry Flynt

Larry Flynt is best known to many for his publications, with Hustler (thank you SS) drawing the most controversy.  Some will also remember him for championing the right to free speech, and with a trademark lack of finesse and in-your-face brilliance he manages to summarize his thoughts regarding Julian Assange:

"Let's get something straight: Julian Assange is a journalist. You can argue that he is not practicing journalism the way you think it should be practiced -- releasing classified U.S. State Department documents -- but he's a journalist nonetheless."

"Here's what I know about censorship: The free flow of information is ultimately less harmful than the impeded flow of information. A democracy cannot exist without total access to the facts."

This is why  we need  people like Larry Flynt. He can take a convoluted discussion and reduce it to the core issues.  You don't have to approve for something to exist.  You don't always win when doing the right thing, or get the hero treatment.  Freedom of speech comes at a price, but in the end it is our saving grace when it comes to educating people and sharing ideas.  Sometimes we must travel through the unpleasant to reach the victory on the other side.  And most of all, don't step on his rights or he'll come after you with the power of a thousand burning suns and lawyers all in a row.

Assange just made a powerful ally, and he needs one right about now. Assuming, of course, that Flynt isn't with Bank of America.