Last week, S.F. Chronicle Editor Phil Bronstein fired technology reporter Henry Norr for participating in an anti-war demonstration. This continues a pattern of overt intimidation of public figures for their opposition to the war, and we have to fight it. Any one of us could be next.

Please contact Phil Bronstein right now and ask why he is firing a technology reporter for his politics. Let them know that you see this act as an attempt to chill speech. You can reach his office at:

As usual, there is always an official excuse, but the timing leaves no doubt about the message. In this case, they talk about improperly filled out timesheets, but since Mr. Norr was suspended a month ago, after the demonstration, Chronicle management has been scrambling to put together a policy against participation in war demonstrations.

Is political speech still safe in America? Can I expect to be fired if I take a different political position than my employer? Shouldn't the media scrupulously avoid any perception that reporters need to follow the corporate line?

Please call today.

Sincerely,
--Wes Boyd
  President, MoveOn.org
  May 1st, 2003

Phil Bronstein
The San Francisco Chronicle
Switchboard: 415-777-7100
[email protected]

If you have trouble going through the switchboard, you could also contact the Chronicle Reader Representative at:

Dick Rogers
Phone: 415-777-7870
Fax: 415-442-1847
[email protected]

Once you've faxed, emailed, or called, please let us know at:
http://moveon.org/mediacorps/chronicle_dash.html?id=1330-2805065-eHxJSjBQv1Gr1IkoJhy5UQ

Your action will be registered on your Media Corps dashboard page:
http://moveon.org/mediacorps/dshbd.html?id=1330-2805065-eHxJSjBQv1Gr1IkoJhy5UQ