Freedom of the Press essays

Freedom of the Press essays There are now and have always been many different views regarding freedom of the press. These views are not just representative of contemporary society but historical society as well. These different views are apparent in the historical and contemporary articles I have reviewed. These articles have influenced the position I have taken on the freedom of the press. I argue that freedom of the press is critical to the maintenance of society and government today, the public has a right to know what is going on and to voice their opinions and views. No. 15 Of Freedom of Speech: That the same is Inseparable from Publick Liberty This article represents Catos view that freedom of speech is crucial to free government. Cato (1720) stated that everyone who loved liberty should encourage freedom of speech/press for without freedom of speech/press there could be no such thing as public liberty. Freedom of speech/press is the right to every man as long as it did not hurt or control another mans rights. Public Opinion and Freedom of Expression Justification of freedom of expression (press) was that it only existed for those who were in support of the patriot cause. Those that were not in support of the patriot cause experienced criticism and the wrath of public opinion (Resistance and Liberty). The example of James Rivington shows that freedom of the press is not so free or was not so free at this pre-revolutionary time. The views in this article differ from those of Cato because Cato believed that freedom of the press is essential to a good government, where it seems in this case it would be harmful to the government. This article conveys the image that not everyone was in favor of free speech/press, this was apparent in the burning of certain works, which prevented the spread of ideas. If one were to accept this view of freedom of the press then they would have to realize that it was not in...