Tonight, nothing is off limits for Joe Raiola, senior editor of MAD Magazine, who will be speaking on “The Joy of Censorship” at 8 p.m. in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union.

For years now, Raiola has been a driving force behind some of MAD Magazine’s greatest innovations. He has built himself a career as a solo performer, comedy writer, producer and director. MAD Magazine, which is a publication of comics and parodies of American life, pop culture, famous figures, media and politics, has continually faced censorship throughout its years of publication. Raiola will highlight his passion for free speech and his views on unwarranted censorship.

Erin Wilgenbusch, senior lecturer in the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication, believes free speech is vital because “it is the cornerstone of a free society.” She also feels students need to gain an understanding on how deep the first amendment affects us.

Dr. Michael Dahlstrom, professor of journalism adds, “If you don’t have free speech, you don’t have the debate and discussion that defines us as a nation.” He also believes many times Americans take for granted their free speech rights, “but you don’t have to look too far for people dying to give the chance to speak their minds”.

Raiola will cover fiercely debated First Amendment issues, including banned books, the effects of 9/11 on free speech, movie ratings, the FCC and internet filters, as well as present his audience with MAD Magazine’s more controversial and outrageous covers, articles and cartoons.

In anticipation for tonight’s lecture Dahlstrom said, “I’m most looking forward to how he portrays first amendment rights in a humorous way.” Raiola is sure to leave his audience with sore stomachs and a taste of the passion he possesses for first amendment freedoms.

This lecture is a part of Banned Book Week and Constitution Day lecture and is sponsored by Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication, ISU Library, First Amendment Day Celebration, George Gund Fund, the Leo Mores Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, the Ames Public Library, and the Committee on Lectures (funded by GSB).