"Gimme Some Truth" Book

The Following News Story Is Excerpted From: Washington Post

The National Liberty Museum which opened last week in Philadelphia is filled with glass sculptures that reflect both freedom and the pain of violence.

The exhibits, designed for adults and school-age children, range from upbeat stories of heroism and courage to re-creations of Anne Frank's World War II hiding place and Nelson Mandela's South African prison cell.

In one part of the museum, visitors are encouraged to vote electronically on issues such as whether citizens espousing violence should be permitted to air their views via the Internet, radio or television or at rallies.

The second floor houses an exhibit for younger visitors on the pervasiveness of violence and hatred in this country. A small statue of slain Beatle John Lennon and photographs of last year's shootings at Columbine High School are accompanied by brutal facts: Every 90 minutes a child is murdered in America, which is the equivalent of losing an entire high school of students to murder every two months.

Young people are challenged to consider whether violent movies or hard-rock and rap lyrics that espouse violence, sex and torture are entertainment.

Further on is a paper shredder into which children can feed the unkind and hateful words they've used or been called. They are encouraged to write positive messages, which are posted at the museum, such as: "We should see through color and look at the heart."

The National Liberty Museum, 321 Chestnut St., is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $3 for students. Call (215) 925-2800 for more information.

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