Pubdate: Wed, 19 Jul 2006 Source: Capital Times, The (WI) Page: A4 Copyright: 2006 The Capital Times Contact: http://www.madison.com/tct/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/73 Note: Usually does not publish letters from outside the state. Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Ben+Masel Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Marijuana) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) BEN MASEL AND POLITICAL PROTEST In its 150 years, Madison has had its share of outspoken political activists, but none has been as enduring as Ben Masel. Masel's tweaking of the establishment's nose goes back more than 30 years. His most infamous protest took place at the Dane County Airport when the state of Washington's U.S. Sen. Henry "Scoop" Jackson arrived to campaign for the Democratic nomination for president. Jackson, a longtime supporter of the Vietnam War, was met by Masel, who promptly spat in the senator's face, a scene that was captured by Bruce Fritz of The Capital Times photo staff and transmitted worldwide by The Associated Press. Masel has been at the forefront of many protests since -- everything from the legalization of marijuana to politicians who advocate going to war. He currently is running for the U.S. Senate seat held by Herb Kohl and has been chased from public properties twice for gathering signatures for that run. Masel has almost always proved in court that he has been within his bounds of constitutionally protected protest and has won judgments against everyone from the city of Chicago to Sauk County for violating his rights. Hear Ben Masel talk about his years of political protest throughout the day Thursday on the Pulse, 1670, as part of the radio station's and The Capital Times' salute to Madison on its 150th birthday. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake