Lets play a game.

Name an international politician/activist, someone on the cutting edge of web development and a veteran journalist. Put all three individuals into a room full of people and try to predict what they would say about freedom of speech on the Internet.

Such an event actually took place. I was lucky enough to sit in on a round table discussion between former vice president Al Gore, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales and living legend John Seigenthaler Sr.

The majority of people stumbling across this blog should know who Seigenthaler is and why he is in fact a living legend. (But if not…) He is the former editor of the Tennessean, aide to the attorney general under Robert Kennedy and a true champion of civil rights. What Seigenthaler is NOT: A Russian spy, a suspect in the assassination of John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy or a communist.

Yet, if you had checked his Wikipedia entry between May and October of 2005 you might have believed otherwise. In a USA Today editorial, Seigenthaler questioned the integrity of all information on Wikipedia as well as its accuracy and credibility.

Nearly three years later, both men are seated on a small stage between Al Gore — poised to discuss issue of free speech, the first amendment, truth, justice and the Internet. But, believe me when I say there was no bad blood shed. There were no awkward moments just thoughtful exchanges and praise. It was probably the best 53 minutes of philosophy I’ve ever heard.

Here is the full audio of the discussion, which you can listen to here courtesy of Tom Cheredar.