Celebrating Steampunk culture; then the Associated Press and the Department of Justice

GUESTS: MANO DIVINA, GIL CNAAN and JANE KIRTLEY

Strap on your brass goggles, tuck into a fantasy airship and enjoy the ride as we explore the Victorian futuristic fashion and literary universe known as “Steampunk” with Divine Hand Ensemble founder MANO DIVINA, and event promoter,GIL CNAAN. Steampunk appeals to enthusiasts on many levels – through literature, art, fashion, technology and music — and involves reading fantasy fiction Steampunk novels, dressing in Victoria era-attire at Steampunk parties and sharing music in the neo-classical style. Then, in recent months, the U.S. Department of Justice secretly obtained Associated Press reporters’ phone records as part of a criminal investigation into the leaking of classified material. This action was part of an aggressive policy by the Obama administration to investigate leaks and prosecute leakers. Journalism organizations say this is a dangerous infraction of their first amendment rights to gather information while government officials contend the activity was part of an effort foil a terrorism plot. JANE KIRTLEY, professor of journalism at University of Minnesota talks to Marty about what this all says about government infringement on the on the freedom of the press.

(Photo: Sebastian Willnow/dapd)