Mere irony or ringing bell of alarm?

An evangelical preacher uses the fall to conduct a series of sermons in major cities on the need for repentance and God’s mercy. Pastor Michael Marcavage often includes abortion in his sermons as a prime example of the nation’s growing tolerance for evil. Unfortunately for Marcavage, he chose to deliver one of his sermons to tourists gathering in front of the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia – which claims for itself the distinction of being “Liberty’s Birthplace”.

Agents of the federal government have another view: They arrested Marcavage, claiming he violated their new policy on public speech in front of Liberty Hall.

Apparently the Park Service has created a “free speech zone” in the park behind the building – at which no visitors can be seen. Such zones have been repeatedly declared unconstitutional by federal courts.

As agents bullied Pastor Marcavage into moving, a group of breast cancer activists carried on a demonstration on the sidewalk nearby. These folks endured no hassle from the Park Service.

This incident may seem like a strange moment of little consequence. That may be. But we think it is a portent of things to come. As we’ve seen with the homosexual issue – there is a concerted effort on the Left to close down public debate around abortion.

It is more than ironic that this sordid censorship would occur in front of the Liberty Bell, which is inscribed with the Scripture, “Proclaim liberty throughout the Land.”