Keith Henson is a 64 year-old man now in jail because he expressed his right to free speech

The man in this picture is currently in jail for holding a picket sign. And no, this is not a joke, this is real, and ongoing right now.

This is Keith Henson. He urgently needs all you support.

Here is what you can do:

First: Read and Digg Barbara Graham's article: Her article contains a good summary of Keith Henson's case.

Her article should receive the largest awareness possible.

Update May 20: the Palo Alto Daily News covered Keith Henson's story. Take time to read the 'Comments' section too.

Update May 21: Keith Henson's wife was on Vince Daniels' radio show yesterday. She gives a good summary of the case from start to finish. Head to the Wog Blog to hear the show.

Update July 7: The San Jose Mercury News has an article on Keith Henson: Scientology critic seeks pardon.

Update September 2: Keith Henson has been released from jail.

Second: Go sign the petition to Arnold Schwarzenegger asking him to pardon Keith Henson. The urgency here is to have Keith Henson released from jail ASAP.

If you wish to comment, I personally prefer insightful and polite comments. Remember, this is for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to read.

Third: Educate yourself about the Keith Henson case, visit operatingthetan.com. This is where all the details are, and all the latest developments are reported there.

And remember, there are precedents regarding the Church of Scientology framing people it perceives as opponents. See Paulette Cooper.

Keep visiting operatingthetan.com regularly, this is not a story that must be forgotten soon, make it known that you are watching. Also, consider donating to Keith Henson's defense fund.

Four: Keep following the development on the case. If you are a U.S. citizen, ask questions, demand answers to your political representatives. Demand that a full inquiry be made about what is going on in the Riverside County in California.

You want to keep yourself aware of this case. This can't left to go on forgotten, this is too important.

Finally, remember: there is currently a 64-year-old man in a small cell, in jail, just because he dared picketing Church of Scientology's fortified compound.

Make it known that you care about free speech, especially when it is about peacefully holding a sign to bring awareness to serious issues (the death of two women is why Keith Henson was protesting.)

Can an online community make a difference in this case of outrageous abuse of the right of a U.S. citizen?

Frankly, I don't know, but I know for sure that your support will make a huge difference to Keith Henson's spirit. Realize that he is currently in a small and cold jail cell, with little contacts with the outside world, punished because he cared enough and chose to speak out publicly and peacefully. He has already been bankrupted by the Church of Scientology. At the very least, make it clear that he is not alone through all that this time.