We Love America
And Her First Amendment
Thanks to John Peter Zenger you can share your thoughts on your own personal blog or watch anything you want – including Larry Flynt’s new porn flick: Nailin’ Paylin - and not worry that the government will toss you in jail. Zenger was a newspaper publisher who saw his life’s work go up in flames and was then forced to defend himself against libel charges in 1735 when the government didn’t like what he had to say. The Trial of John Peter Zenger is often seen as the cornerstone court case of American press freedom.
Looks like Larry Flynt might teach Sarah Palin about another important Supreme Court case!
"PRESS" is an extremely broad term. It includes all systems that make information available to people: newspapers, television, radio, books, lectures, movies, art, dance, telephone, cassettes, CDs, DVDs, magazines, electronic bulletin boards, computer networks, billboards, video tapes... you name it.
All of the world's major religions, philosophies, schools of political thought, and systems of government were spread through writing. In fact, the spread of civilization, religion, and the written word occurred simultaneously, each dependent on the other.
Protecting the of Freedom of the Press leads to...
- The Discovery Of Truth
- Facilitating Participation by Citizens in Political Decision-Making
- Creating a More Adaptable and Stable Community
- Assuring Individual Self-Fulfillment
- Checking Abuse of Governmental Power
- Promoting Tolerance
- Creating a More Interesting Community
