Demcratic Senator Benjamin Cardin (Maryland) is trying to put a stake into the heart of freedom of the press. Where is John Peter Zenger when we need him most?

Cardin is proposing that newspapers be allowed tax exempt status (presumably to avoid the financial straits they're now in), but no longer, then, be allowed to make endorsements! Excuse me!!!?

If newspapers can't make endorsements, what then are they besides bird cage liner? (Some may argue they are that now.) How long will it be before they are not allowed to editorialize against governmental deeds and misdeeds? Governmental malfeasance or fiscal issues? Where will reportage be considered crossing the fine line of editorializing?

Newspapers need to be allowed and enabled to be society's protector. Muzzling them for a few pennies is a bad, bad idea.