Danger: The First Amendment is under attack
While a combative relationship with the media is not uncommon, denigrating media for accurately reported news is now becoming a common and disturbing feature of American politics.
Every time I read or hear the phrase “fake news,” I wince, and the suggestion that some members of the media are the “enemies of the American people” makes my blood boil.
We’ve been hearing a lot about unbalanced coverage, particularly blaming liberal-leaning politics for alleged biased reporting. Most news organizations are owned by large corporations with vested interests and, inevitably, they may openly support or endorse specific candidates and policies, or slant their reporting. In recent presidential contests, the slant seemed especially evident. However, news reporting is overall an honorable and fair profession. Ensuring accuracy, checking facts and offering opinions based on objective reasoning was the mission our founders had in mind when they framed the First Amendment to ensure freedom of speech and a free press.
We all have the right to challenge journalistic narratives, but routine and blanket accusations are dismissive and disingenuous. Attacking reporters seeking accountability and clarification is a worrisome trip down a slippery slope. Most importantly, it challenges some of the basic precepts upon which our republic was built.
Politicians throughout the ages have used obfuscation, distortion, omission and questionable facts to favorably paint their policies. While a combative relationship with the media is not uncommon, denigrating media for accurately reported news is now becoming a common and disturbing feature of American politics. To put it bluntly, our First Amendment is under attack. We must remember why it was written, the intention of its framers and why our democratic principles are suffering under this blistering assault.
This revolutionary amendment, penned by James Madison, was based on his concern that a government for and by the people can’t exist without free speech. Madison and Thomas Jefferson believed there were not enough constraints on government and that a vibrant amendment was needed to prevent government abuse. Jefferson once said that he would rather have newspapers without a government than a government without newspapers. Though he would later cross swords with the media over what he considered biased reporting, he never doubted the value of their role.
Currently one party controls all three branches of government — something the founding fathers did not envision when creating “checks and balances.” That leaves the press to provide a much-needed “check.” As Americans, we have always been proud of the First Amendment and the freedoms it protects.
Today, with information so readily available through print, broadcast and social media, we need to remind one another and teach our children the importance of an uncompromised press and free speech.
Even at colleges across America, these freedoms are being challenged. Students and faculty are often afraid to say what they believe, or to question and take sides for fear of ideological labels. And donors, faculty, alumni and community members are putting pressure on schools to cancel controversial or outspoken guest speakers.
Dissent and disagreement are normal and healthy in a free society. But it is dangerous to limit or stifle conversation and other opinions — or the truth. While many are quick to say “it couldn’t happen here,” limitations to free speech and assembly, as well as media that is controlled or heavily influenced by the government is a way of life in autocracies. We may take our liberties for granted, but history has taught us that freedom can be lost in a heartbeat when people let themselves become fractured and bend to the will of political leaders.
As our children become voters, we must ensure they understand and appreciate the freedoms we relish by embracing civic education. Studying the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence should be mandatory, as should the role and mechanics of government. In Texas, all university and college students are required to study the U.S. Constitution; Connecticut and other states might embrace this wisdom as well.
Our nation is at a tipping point: Accusations of “fake media” or “fake news” and attempts to limit or distort information lowers public respect for a free, unfiltered press. It is manipulative, divisive and dangerous, shaping and inciting public opinion around rhetoric, propaganda and halftruths. Leaders of both political parties are accessories to this unfortunate development.
Political leaders need to champion the media for its role in providing the information that lets people make informed decisions subject to their own beliefs and interests, but always in the best interests of our entire nation. Anything less should be exposed and vigorously challenged.