I enjoyed my recent visit with Rory Wilson, currently a graduate student at Yale. Rory has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn his conviction for protesting the city of Moscow, Idaho’s illegal arrests of fellow church members for singing psalms in public during the Covid-19 lockdowns. His crime? Attaching removable vinyl stickers to telephone poles with the words, “Soviet Moscow.”
In our conversation, Rory shared his experiences with protests, legal battles over free speech, and navigating the challenges of attending Ivy League schools. Rory reflects on the cultural climate at prestigious universities and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs in a challenging environment.
Show Notes
Rory Wilson's involvement in protests stemmed from a desire to prevent violence.
He faced legal repercussions for expressing his political views through stickers.
The case against him was unprecedented in its severity and implications for free speech.
Rory emphasizes the importance of engaging in local politics and expressing beliefs.
His experiences highlight the challenges of navigating free speech issues in America today.
Attending Ivy League schools has provided Rory with both opportunities and challenges.
He acknowledges the toxic environment for conservative voices in academia.
Rory's legal battle is not just personal; it represents broader free speech issues.
He believes that the Supreme Court case could set a significant precedent for free speech.
Rory's journey reflects the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Sound Bites
"I was handcuffed, put on the ground."
"I think it was a targeted thing."
"It's been a long journey for us."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Rory Wilson and Stickergate
01:00 The Context of the Protest in Moscow
04:54 Legal Consequences of the Protest
08:53 The Journey to the Supreme Court
12:54 The Burden of Punishment
15:10 Reflections on Ivy League Experience
18:10 Engaging with the Academic Environment
24:51 Hamas Campus Riots and Free Speech
30:44 Confronting Chaos: A Personal Account
33:58 Engagement in Hostile Environments: Advice for Young Christians
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