Should Freedom of the Press be Limited to Protect National Security?

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Should Freedom of the Press be Limited to Protect National Security? Every single American Citizen has their own rights and privileges, dating back to 1787 when the U.S. constitution was born. This was the first legal document stating citizen rights. Four years later, in 1791, the First Amendment was passed, stating several American citizen rights including Freedom of Speech, Freedom of the Press, Freedom of Religion, Freedom of Expression, the right to petition, and the right to assemble. Over the years to present day, these rights have been shifted to meet current standards. Although they are meant to benefit citizens, some of these freedoms bring up controversy. For example, many people consistently debate whether Freedom of the Press should be limited to protect National security. The First Amendment, where U.S. citizen freedoms are written, states that, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances” (Fiorina). Freedom of the Press, a right stated in the First Amendment, “Protects the right to obtain and publish information or opinions without government censorship or fear of punishment…applies to all types of printed and broadcast material, including books, newspapers, magazines, pamphlets, films and radio and television programs” (Freedom...). This amendment, adopted by the Bill of Rights in 1791, has had a unique history and has changed greatly over time. As stated, the freedom was made to let citizens write about whatever they wanted. However, the Alien and Sedition Act of 1798 had an impact on f... ... middle of paper ... ...4. Fiorina, Morris P., Paul E. Peterson, Bertram Johnson, and William G. Mayer. "The Media." America's New Democracy. 6th ed. Vol. 3. N.p.: Pearson, 2011. 142-43. Print. Forte, Maximillian. "7 Reasons Why We Should Celebrate Wikileaks, and 8 Reasons It's Not the Panacea Some Are Calling It." Alternet. Alternet, 3 Aug. 2010. Web. 15 May 2014. "Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Press." Lincoln. Lincoln, n.d. Web. 10 May 2014. Meek, James Gordon, Luis Martinez, and Alexander Mallin. "Intel Heads: Edward Snowden Did 'Profound Damage' to U.S. Security." ABC News. ABC News Network, 29 Jan. 2014. Web. 15 May 2014. Siegel, Paul. "National Security: Republican vs. Democratic Views." Watch Blog. Watch Blog Democrats & Liberals Archives, 9 Feb. 2006. Web. 14 May 2014. "Vietnam War - The Impact of Media." YouTube. YouTube, 27 May 2007. Web. 15 May 2014.

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