2007-09-22 13:50:26 · 26 answers · asked by jaychell1 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Government
"Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost."
-- Thomas Jefferson
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."
-- First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America
I can think of no better patriot or document from this country to better defend that a free and unhindered press is one of our most vital institutions.
In just the last 50 years a free press has exposed the Pentagon Papers, Watergate, Iran-Contra and Enron to just name a examples of corruption against the public the press has brought to light.
2007-09-22 15:37:18 · answer #1 · answered by Andy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. There is a reason why we need freedom of the press. The ones who want to punish generally have something to hide.
2007-09-22 20:54:29 · answer #2 · answered by CarbonDated 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
No, how are they going to get to the truth of a matter if people will be punished or "outed" for telling them? It's important to maintain a free press.
2007-09-22 20:56:43 · answer #3 · answered by Wildflower 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The power has always been in the hand of the people.
Boycotts, Lawsuits, Protests.
Do not rely on the government for our protection. We have all seen how that can end up.
If reporters/ press is found to be fradulent, and untruthful in their reporting, the PEOPLE NEED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. Contact the company, contact their advertisers, and make them understand you will not tolerate it.
2007-09-22 20:56:30 · answer #4 · answered by Kacy H 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
they can't because we call it Freedom of the Press; it should be respected and properly implemented... and any action that violates the rights; even to the reveal of the sources, violates the freedom of speech!
in the Philippines we call it as "MALAYANG PAMAMAHAYAG" or freedom without limits but in the bound of morality!
2007-09-22 22:22:59 · answer #5 · answered by Pinuno 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Under some circumstances sure; but most of the time I would say no. If the press hiding their sources were going to cost the lives of other Americans then by all means they should be held accountable for those lives or injuries; but if its just for political "hey" then no.
2007-09-22 20:55:03 · answer #6 · answered by netjr 6 · 2⤊ 3⤋
No. Otherwise nothing worth knowing, the "shady side" of our wonderful government (90%), would never be leaked for us to hear or read about. Whistle blowers should be protected, too.
2007-09-22 20:58:22 · answer #7 · answered by ? 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
NO, definitely not. It is VERY important that we the citizen get accurate information. If the federal government punishes people who deliver that then,guess what, WE LOSE!!!!
2007-09-22 20:57:49 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
No, there is too much government regulation already. I believe in a free press, not a regulated one that doesn't protect privacy laws.
2007-09-22 20:55:46 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Absolutely not. Freedom of press. People who want to want to suppress true liberty.
2007-09-22 20:56:08 · answer #10 · answered by apple juice 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋