Jack Zibluk for State Senate

As a media history teacher, I talk a lot about the First Amendment and free speech. The education department asked me to debate recent University of Tennessee system hire Chris Dunn who has done research demonstrating the isolation of conservatives in higher education.

Maybe they expected a patsy; maybe they expected a fire-breather, but Chris and I exchanged ideas and perspectives in a civil, if sometimes animated, fashion.

Three months later, the Georgia Democratic Central Committee asked if I was interested in running for office. I shrugged. “Sure. Fine. OK,” I said. A dozen phone calls later, I was a candidate for state legislature.

I am used to being on the other side of politics as a long-time journalist. As an educator, I have studied politics and government, and taught classes on the First Amendment.

My dad and his brothers fought in WWII, and my dad was wounded by a Nazi bullet. He later became a translator for holocaust survivors. We are a very patriotic family, and I have a deep love for my country.

Mostly though, I am the plus 1 of my dogs and other friends. My Australian shepherd Juniper had 10 puppies, two of which are now service dogs for disabled veterans.

This isn’t about Republican or Democrat. It’s about listening to and respecting people with whom you disagree, and then working together.

We are running a true grassroots campaign, and every dollar you donate will help us reach voters ahead of this important election. Thank you for your support!