Free Press: A Transhistoric Relationship Between the Media and Government

 

Enshrined in the greatest living document that ever graced this planet is the freedom for a free and fair media. For centuries the United States of America has been a model for the world as we cherish the sacred right to a free press. A transhistoric value, the freedom of the press has brought accountability, transparency, and progressive change to American culture. 

Our Constitution is the basis for American law, ethical practices, and moral guidance. The very fabric of our union is the idea that our government can only govern through the consent of the governed. This means that without the support and consent of the American electorate the government is no longer free or fair. 

The 1st Amendment emphasizes the importance of the legislative branch of government in the process of abridging rights. A right is a protection from an overbearing government; protection from the government. The 1st Amendment protects individuals from the heavy hand of government.

Though it does not protect individuals from each other, employers, or other non-governmental organizations, it does protect the individual from a government that seeks oppression. A fundamental personal right, the 1st Amendment protects anyone and everyone who seeks to print the truth about the government.

The 6th clause of the 1st Amendment only emboldens the freedom of the presst by giving the people the right to air their grievances. From the average Joe to the major media networks, our constitution protects and encourages the accountability of the government by the governed. 

Without the media, the average Joe would not be equipped with pressing information regarding public policy and the working of our government. If our government had its way, the American electorate would continue to walk with ignorance to the governing structure. An ignorant governed leads to a sketchy and powerful government. 

The eight values of free expression are valuable components of the 1st Amendment. Arguably the most valuable component is dissent. Dissent allows for the free exchange of ideas. Disagreement of ideas is good for a free society as it allows for the ideas of all to be heard. Without dissent, the people become sheep for the government. A conforming and weak society is ripe for a tyrannical and authoritarian government that diminishes rights and personal liberties.

Perhaps the most dissentful voices in media history are those who voice disagreement with war. Anti-war voices have long been suppressed dating back to the jailing of journalists during the civil war and as recent as the persecution of Julian Assange for publishing damaging material against American troops in the Middle East.

Anti-war voices such as Assange have been persecuted for centuries. In previous blog posts I explored the impact of Julian Assange on the American media and the influence he holds in creating a transparent government that is accountable to a free press. 

The immediate aftermath of 9/11 brought with it a silenced media that was a lapdog to the military industrial complex and the government. Pro-war voices like George Will were elevated while anti-war voices were silenced and censured. This chilling effect discourages people from speaking up and speaking out. The fear of legal and political retaliation is one that most people fear; not just those in the media.

The Trump-era has ushered in another era for the chilling effect. That is, supporters and defenders of the former president are blacklisted from jobs, media appearances, and social settings because of their advocacy for the former president. We have seen this before in history, but not to this extent. To be a Trump supporter is the equivalent of a witch in 1600s Salem. The persecution of right leaning people for their politics is very real and discouraging for other people to step up and step out.

Sources:

First Amendment: Link

Dissent: Link

Julian Assange: Link