One of the major influences on our society, our government, our very Constitution has undergone a serious attack comparable to none during this Presidential Election. The demise of the Fourth Estate: a free press, should raise every citizen’s hackles and should warrant a human cry equivalent to Patrick Henry’s ‘Give me liberty, or give me death’. We have seen individual journalists of the mainstream media compromised, losing all objectivity, blinded by their ardor for an Obama candidacy, the historical possibility of the first Black President. But this control of the media although not new, in this election is unparallel in its’ breadth and depth. The debates hosted by veteran media reporters, save but for one, were not hard hitting and failed to ask the important questions, and subsequently did not provide the electorate any insightful information to base their decision upon. In their defense, they admit that the rules of the debate forum established by the candidates and their representatives were restrictive. Since when does the media allow itself to be dictated to? Doesn’t control of any forum destroy the very idea of a free press? The candidates are big boys, if they can’t take the scrutiny and heat, then they should get out of the political kitchen!
Local media is threatened with the “either go along, or be locked out in the future” when a candidate does not like the viewpoint, or the questions of a particular interviewer. Websites are attacked by the various constituencies of the candidates for writing “negative” articles. Blogs that take on the mantel of investigative reporters have the candidates “truth squads” use the Fair Campaign Practices Act to grill the blog’s internet hosts for the sole purpose of silencing opposition. Subsequently, these sites are hacked into and vandalized. And we can only imagine the mischief that could result from creation of an executive branch position of Chief Technology Officer!
But As For Me…
The tenet of a free press is inviolable and any threat to it is a threat to all of us. The printed media, the airwaves must remain accessible and free from assault by any one public or private entity. Limiting access to information during an election or at any time bodes ill for the future of this nation. The words of Patrick Henry are as poignant and pertinent today as when they were first spoken:
“…freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country…’
Remember this freedom as you exercise another freedom tomorrow!
