In 1978 Brett Kimberlin, aka The Speedway Bomber, set off several bombs in and around Speedway, Indiana.  He was convicted for his felonious activity and served time in Federal prison.

But the sad fact is, Kimberlin doesn’t want you to know about his criminal history.  Several bloggers who have done so have been subjected to various forms of legal intimidation, harassment,  and threats.  Some have reportedly lost their jobs, another found it necessary to change his state of residence in order to ensure the safety of his family.

You can get lots of background on what Kimberlin has been up to since leaving prison here.  You might also want to watch a YouTube video telling the story of Kimberlin’s exploits.

So, today has been designated for a “blogburst” wherein bloggers large and small stand together to tell Kimberlin we will not be intimated.  This is a classic example of why we need to stand up and defend our First Amendment rights.

Ace of Spades said it better than I can:

“Either Americans have the right to state that Kimberlin was convicted of the Speedway Bombing Spree or they do not.

If I no longer have this right, I would like Congress to pass a law stating that I no longer have this right. If we’re repealing the First Amendment, let’s make it official.

If, on the other hand, I retain this right, I would like members of Congress to reassure me on this point, by stating so on the floor of Congress, and entering the long and sordid history of Brett Kimberlin, aka the Speedway Bomber, into the Congressional Record.

And then let him try to claim that no one is permitted to mention this.”

You set off bombs in an American city, you are a terrorist.  You go after people who note your criminal past, you are an asshole.  Them’s the facts.  Deal with it.

UPDATE:  How bad is it?  This bad.

UPDATE 2:  I keep good company, apparently.  Here’s a list of blogs that have exposed Kimberlin.

UPDATE 3:  And the hits just keep on comin’!