I really don't expect you to help me with this problem, but I thought
that you should be made aware of it due to your interest in expanding the
Information Superhighway. There is a growing problem of censorship and
suppression of free speech.
        In my case, I was locked out of the Political Debate Forum on
CompuServe this summer. My crime? I had dared to criticize the CIA. I had
expressed my belief that some people in the CIA had something to do with
the assassination of President Kennedy. Controversial? Perhaps, but that
view is held by approximately half of the population, according to recent
polls.
        CIA defenders are making a concerted effort to silence their critics.
Twice before, a retired CIA officer, John Edward (NED) Dolan, threatened to
have his fellow retired CIA officers sue CompuServe if I were not removed. What
is even more sinister is the fact that Dolan is President of an organization
named Challenge, Inc. which has as its sole function to raise money to fund
lawsuits against critics of the CIA and other intelligence agencies. I believe
that if you seriously investigate this matter that you will find that Dolan
and his cronies have the full support of the CIA and indirect funding through
CIA conduits. I believe this violates the prohibition in the CIA's charter
against domestic activities.
        I realize that political dissent may be uncomfortable, but it is
necessary to a healthy democracy. If you believe that the Information
Superhighway can be an important part of the democratic process, then you
should take steps to ensure that free speech is protected.
                                                            Sincerely,
                                                            W. Anthony Marsh