Thomas Jefferson best stated the Framers' views on a free press when he declared: "The basis of our government being the opinion of the people, the very first object should be to keep that right; and were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter" ( Jefferson, Writings, 1984, 880 ). Indicative of the importance the Framers placed on freedom of the press was the eventual adoption in 1791 of the First Amendment that guaranteed its constitutional protection. According to Thomas Jefferson: "Our first object should therefore be, to leave open to him all the avenues of truth. The most effectual hitherto found, is freedom of the press. It is therefore, the first shut up by those who fear the investigation of their actions" ( Jefferson 1984, 1147 ). [excerpt from D. Schulz, "It's Show Time".

The investigation of their actions. Public criticism and debate. That is what journalism is, not being the warm fatherly face of the powers that be.

yours,

Peter T.