Protestantism

» Brian Tubbs - The Press

Pink, there were independent newspapers in colonial America. That's a historical fact. The Boston paper, which I referenced in my link, was the first. There were others. Benjamin Fraklin's grandson became a leading publisher of such a paper during Washington's presidency. Pink, are you not familiar with the newspaper wars waged between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson during Washington's presidency?

You surely know about the Alien and Sedition Acts? The latter, passed by Congress and signed by President John Adams, was aimed at restricting NEWSPAPER criticism of President Adams and the US government during its quasi-war with France. It was a clear violation of the First Amendment, and the Jeffersonians said so. It was one of the reasons why Adams lost the 1800 race.

The Founding Fathers were WELL AWARE of the press!

Now, of course, the press has evolved over the years and has become more sophisticated and institutionalized. But, the Founders weren't clueless about it. They knew enough about it to know what they were saying in the First Amendment.

The most important thing is...

THE PRINCIPLE and MEANING of the First Amendment need NOT "change with the times" insofar as the news media is concerned. There was enough substance in the Founders' understanding and intent in 1788-89 (when the First Amendment was written and ratified) to apply to today's situation.