Comments on: Freedom of the press ought to belong to all… not just to approved 'journalists'

By: 78.180.31.223

78.180.31.223 — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:52:02 +0000

There is a gap between freedom of speech and intellectual rights of a news story. Many bloggers, online journalists are plagirises some others who authentically produce the text. Do we talk about freedom of speech in here?

By: 41.220.168.249

41.220.168.249 — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:00:29 +0000

Bob, let’s not muddle the issue: We’re not asking Congress to make us a special kind of citizen. We’re asking Congress to stop arrogant judges and prosecutors from putting us behind bars for doing our job.

By: Benjamin Melançon

Benjamin Melançon — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 06:10:54 +0000

In New York State, this right was recognized in 2001: http://narconews.com/docs/ontrial.html

By: Paul Levinson

Paul Levinson — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 23:41:44 +0000

I agree 100% – though I would put the matter slightly differently. Journalists do deserve the special protections of the First Amendment (and shield laws, as well) because, as Jefferson saw, they enable our democracy. The Internet – or, what I call “new new media,” which turn consumers into producers of information – have transformed all Americans, all people, into journalists. See newnewmediabook.com for more.

By: 65.25.150.89

65.25.150.89 — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:19:53 +0000

Amendment I

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 to peaceably assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Nope, no ambiguities here and no emanations or penumbras.

Further, the words “separation of church and state” aren’t here either.

I would personally tell the FEC to put this one where the sun dosen’t shine!