Is the freedom of press becoming freedom of everything?
489516
It is important to always protect the freedom of the press.  At the same time, I think it is wrong how the paparazzi harrass celebrities.  I don't consider following somebody everywhere they go and taking their pictures as a necessary part of freedom of the press.  This is just stalking people with a camera.  The paparazzi that harrass celebrities should be arrested.  It's also the fault of the public.  People should respect the privacy of celebrities and not support the gossip papers that give money to papparazzi.
272416
The person asking this question apparently has little familiarity with America's deeply revered democratic tradition.  It is this tradition, moreso than any particular laws or constitutional rights, which is the ultimate guarantor of freedom in America.  \n\nIn fact, the scenario the writer describes is similar to the "Pentagon Papers" or "Watergate" scandals, in which individuals did in fact release "information against America's government which every body should know them," knowing full well the risks they were taking.  \n\nIf the scenario the writer describes were to happen in America, a conscientious American would take comfort in several aspects of our democracy: (1) the freedom of the press, (2) the devolution of powers to state and local authorities, and, most importantly (3) the power of popular opinion, specifically the popular support of democratic traditions.  \n\nTo take a concrete scenario: \n\n(1) Freedom of the press -- I place a discrete call to a major television network.  I arrange to meet a reporter with cameras in a public place.  Because of our tradition of a free press, the reporter will be excited to break a major story and will not fear reprisals.  He might be wrong or naive about this, (as demonstrated by several recent examples of reporters going to jail), but Americans in general and reporters in particular feel so strongly about the freedom of the press that journalists are willing, even eager, to risk going to jail or worse in order to defend the principle of a free press.\n\n(2) Devolution of Powers -- I ask the reporter to call the local police to provide protection during the interview.  Or I call the local police myself.  The local police don't know and don't care what the CIA says.  They answer to the mayor of the city, who answers to the people of the city -- not to the government of the United States.  The local police will not allow CIA officers or anyone else to kill people in my city.  If they believe that I really might be in danger, they will come to protect me.  \n(3) popular support of democratic traditions -- the moment I announce my "secret" on television, the CIA would never dare to hurt me, no matter what the "government" says.  If any harm came to me, there would be a national outcry.  The opposition members of the Congress would ensure that there was a public inquiry into what happened.  Each CIA agent is aware that Congress might review what happened, and the CIA agent who killed me, as well as his boss who ordered me killed, would go to jail for murder.  If the president ordered me killed, he would be impeached and go to jail for murder.  \n\nIn case you think this couldn't happen, look at what happened when the "popular opinion" found out that Richard Nixon authorized a "two-bit burglary" at the Watergate Hotel.  He was forced to resign.  The truth is, no one actually "forced" him to resign -- he chose to resign, because he knew what would happen to him if he didn't resign.\n\nTo take another example, look at what happened when Bill Clinton said he "never had sexual relations with Monica Lewinsky."  You can argue about whether or not he actually lied, but it was enough that the Congress impeached him.  He was tried for perjury in the Senate, which determined that he probably didn't lie.  \n\nBut if that's what happens to presidents who authorize a break-in to an apartment, or who stretch or bend the truth, you can imagine what would happen to a president who ordered the execution of an American citizen for releasing damaging information.  \n\nAll this happens, not because the law requires it to happen (although the law does require it), not because the local police enforce the laws (although the local police do enforce the laws), but primarily because the vast majority of American people feel so strongly about our democratic traditions, that we DEMAND tha
623992
Hey guys,\n\nI read your comments and agree with most of them, however, since I found this question under the “POLITICS & GOVERNMENT >> IMMIGRATION”, I figured I would stay on subject. \n\nThis is concerning. If history repeats itself (as it usually does) “The Media” can shape norms that provide a strong reaction from the general public, that can eventually motivate many forms of extermination. It can be dangerous when the role of the media is transformed from a neutral purveyor of fact, to a corporate sponsored monster that satisfies the psychotic and pathological appetites of the masses. \n\nThe basis for freedom of press is to PREVENT governments from regulating fact, to impose politically motivated information to the general public, and/or punishing those who surpass those imposed regulations. Disestablishing freedom of thought (via any media type) is the intention of manipulating the media. In today’s news, we are now seeing major corporations taking control of media sources and creating their own precepts and opinions on global and local issues (and yes even personal appearances as stated above). It’s becoming severe.\n\nSo with the oxymoron of freedom of press that we have in this country (and most others) the responsibility falls on the people to sift through the information provided and expose these tendencies. It is OUR responsibility to prevent these influences on the media that can lead to bogus information on very important matters like……Immigration Reform and the present situation our country is facing with the Mexican border. I doubt we will ever know the real issues by watching just the news. We can however guarantee the opinions we have are based upon what CNN or MSNBC has stated as fact.\n\nI suggest reading newspaper articles from other countries on these issues, and using the internet to understand Immigration Law and the legal ramifications of building an  armed wall to keep them out (or if you really think about it.......keep us in!) \n\nBe good guys.\nIt was nice talking with ya.\n\nThanks,\nAndre M
819596
What a brilliant topic!  You coulld write heaps on this.  Three items I'd be prepared to give up? Let's see, I object to too much government interference in my life, but acknowledge the need for a central organising power.  So, perhaps look at what changes have happened, especially since 9/11, to personal freedoms. And what people have seemed to accept, more or less willingly, in order to ensure safety.  It's much easier to list three items you WOULDN"T give up.  I wouldn't give up right to free speech, for example.  It's too important.
1171406
No.  In order for a oligarchy system of government to be truly successful, you must have the unquestioning loyalty of government institutions, including the press.\n\nA free press, by definition, is a questioning body.  Questions are unhealthy for an oligarchy.  Blind obedience is better.
21688
Love your country, distrust your government.  "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety," Benjamin Franklin.  The US Patriot Act is very very unpatriotic.  It literally strips away your Constitutional Rights.  Hitler burned the Reichstag building when he became Chancelor.  Then blamed it on Poland.  The Bush Administration caused 911 to happen and then they blamed Afganistan and Iraq.  The media is completely saturated with propaganda.  Currently, the United States is run by a military industrial complex and most Americans are blind to that.  Many people say you shouldn't believe what you read on the internet, but it's the internet that has complete and total freedom to communicate the truth and what's really going on.  All other media is controlled and propagated.  Do the research.  Find the truth.  We must take our county back from these treasonous "leaders."
948189
When freedom of the press is infringed,you no longer have a democracy Same rules should apply to the eletronic media There are libel laws to keep them honest
1185151
Why are you such hypocrites-the US citizens I mean? Why do you want other countries to allow freedom and want to muzzle your own press?\nst
66256
Its a social experiment thats still being worked out.  There are ongoing problems, like when does freedom of speech become libel?\n\nIts not perfect, but works reasonably well in the western world compared to other systems.  There is accountability.  There is representation. We can't be held without charge, we can't be convicted without trial.
392150
I don't think we've ever had true freedom of speech.  For example, you've never been able to walk into a crowded theater and yell fire.  If you do, you'll get arrested for causing a disturbance.\n\nTrue freedom of speech would be being able to say what you want, when you want regardless of what happens.  Under the bush administration I do feel like we've lost some of that freedom (If you say anything anti-Bush, you are declared a terrorist or a troop basher).  Sad days, good news is he can't be in office for that much longer!
277002
Absolutely.  It's freedom of speech.  Its the first ammendment of the constitution.(Bill of rights section)
393939
Sure, why not.  Freedom of the Press and all that.
889501
Short Answer:  Rights of Free Speech and Free Press
745002
get rid of freedom of speech
111405
Let's not be naive, what is right or legal will not stop those with power from learning what they want to know. Our technological advances in the field of communications have presented an irresistible opportunity for those with power to abuse our rights. Our only hope for the future is that these powers are somewhat benevolent torward us. The only place you can know,... really know, that you have privacy, is the thoughts in your head.
797600
Equal rights for all particularly the freedom of the press without being branded as Liberal.
721501
Most Americans today are willing to support any cause pushed by the media because they are unfortunately thoughtless, uneducated sheep who never take the trouble (or don't have the concentration span) to spend five minutes and actually learn about an issue before taking a stance. People, freedom is not itself free. It comes with a price, the price of watchfulness. You must guard your freedom. Protect it. If you do not value your freedom and be prepared to defend it, someone will try to take it from you.\n\nIllegal immigrants will destroy your economy just the way you have described, by sending untaxed money out of your country.\n\nMy uncle was a paratrooper in WW2. He's part of the reason we are not living in a dictatorship now.