The Cincinnati Enquirer

A weeklong series of public discussions about the U.S. Constitution begins today with a talk in Newport about voting and the future of American democracy.

The "My Daily Constitution" discussions were started in Los Angeles by artist Linda Pollack, who wanted the series in small venues like coffee shops, theaters and libraries to help people get involved in dialogue and democracy.

With support of the National Coalition Against Censorship, she is taking the discussions on the road.

Greater Cincinnati's begin today, 7-9 p.m., at the Artery Gallery, 913 Monmouth St., Newport. Jamin Raskin, professor of constitutional law and political process at American University, will lead discussion.

The rest of the week:

• Tuesday, 6-8 p.m.: "Library Confidentiality after Sept. 11," led by Deborah Caldwell-Stone, deputy director of the Office for Intellectual Freedom at the American Library Association. Corryville library branch, 2802 Vine St.

• Wednesday, 7-9 p.m.: "A First Amendment History in Cincinnati," led by Howard Tolley Jr., professor of political science and adjunct professor of law at the University of Cincinnati. Kaldi's, 1204 Main St., Over-the-Rhine.

• Thursday, 4:30-7 p.m.: "Censornaughti, Oh!," a forum on freedom of artistic expression, Gabriel's Corner Theater, 1425 Sycamore St., Over-the-Rhine.

• Thursday, 7-9 p.m.: "Rights and Liberties in Times of Crisis," led by attorney Bill Gallagher. Plush, 825 Main St., Over-the-Rhine.

• Friday, 7-9 p.m.: "Pluralism and the U.S. Constitution," led by Jack Chin, Rufus King professor of law at the University of Cincinnati, and David A. Singleton, executive director of the Prison Reform Advocacy Center. SSNOVA, 2260 Central Parkway.

• Saturday, noon-2 p.m.: "Cincinnati, a Focal Point of Art Censorship Debates," led by Svetlana Mintcheva, National Coalition Against Censorship, and Cincinnati attorney H. Louis Sirkin. Playhouse in the Park, 962 Mount Adams Circle.

• Saturday, 5-7 p.m.: "Whose First Amendment?" Led by Rich James, Ohio/Kentucky chapter of the Alliance for Community Media, and Belinda Rawlins, Media Bridges. Media Bridges, 1100 Race St., Over-the-Rhine.

• Sunday, 1-3 p.m.: "Constitutional Limits on Police Use of Force," led by Cincinnati attorney Al Gerhardstein, founder of the Prison Reform Advocacy Center, Cincinnati. Contemporary Dance Theater, 1805 Larch Ave., College Hill.

• Sunday, 5-7 p.m.: "An Examination of the U.S. Patriot Act and the Demise of our Civil Liberties," led by Ramona Brockett, professor of political science and Afro-American studies at Northern Kentucky University. York Street Cafe, 738 York St., Newport.

• Sunday, 8:30 p.m.: Screening of the documentary the nea tapes, Kelly Auditorium, Xavier University.

Call the public information line about the schedule and for directions: Information: 557-7315.