Resident urges wider access to John Henry Faulk’s 'Fear on Trial' during public comment

Michael Lee, a local resident, addressed the board during the public comment period on Sept. 25 to recommend wider access to John Henry Faulk’s 1963 book Fear on Trial, which Lee said documents Faulk’s successful libel suit and stands on issues of free speech and blacklisting.

Lee said Faulk, a Mississippi broadcaster who opposed the Hollywood blacklist, ‘‘fought back’’ against accusations and that the book remains timely given recent debates around late‑night entertainers. He suggested the book should be available in every library and noted it may be found through used bookstores or online copies.

Lee closed his remarks with a citation he attributed to the ancient historian Herodotus: ‘‘We can protect ourselves from those who do evil in the name of evil, but heaven protect us from those who do evil in the name of good.’’ The comment was presented during the public comment portion of the meeting and did not prompt board action.