Why might the freedom of press be such an important right in a democracy?
Posted on December 21st, 2009 by admin
Because as a democracy is a government where the people vote for candidates and on issues, it is important that they are able to get accurate information from which to base their decisions on. If you live in a nation where the press is not free, and is instead state controlled, you will only hear what they want you to hear and in a way they wish for it to be presented. You will therefore be basing your decision of information that isn’t entirely accurate or wholly representative of the truth.
Two examples of nations which are at least nominally democratic, yet do not have a free press, are Russia and Venezuela. Both governments have really cracked down on the press to the point that they are basically uncritical if not entirely supportive of their respective presidents. Not coincidentally, both Putin and Chavez are enjoying enormous popularity.
This demonstrates just how essential a free press is, as democracy can easily be subverted when accurate information is not easily available.
December 21st, 2009 at 6:10 am
Because as a democracy is a government where the people vote for candidates and on issues, it is important that they are able to get accurate information from which to base their decisions on. If you live in a nation where the press is not free, and is instead state controlled, you will only hear what they want you to hear and in a way they wish for it to be presented. You will therefore be basing your decision of information that isn’t entirely accurate or wholly representative of the truth.
Two examples of nations which are at least nominally democratic, yet do not have a free press, are Russia and Venezuela. Both governments have really cracked down on the press to the point that they are basically uncritical if not entirely supportive of their respective presidents. Not coincidentally, both Putin and Chavez are enjoying enormous popularity.
This demonstrates just how essential a free press is, as democracy can easily be subverted when accurate information is not easily available.
References :
December 21st, 2009 at 6:17 am
In a system of "Checks and Balances" such as we have in America,the general public has a right to know what Uncle Sam is doing . But with the Patriot Act for example,we’re now having our leaders having meetings behind closed doors or censored under the guise of "National Security". These folks seem to have forgotten they work for us,NOT the other way around.
References :