The Fairness Doctrine or Freedom for Some
Not only is Thomas Jefferson honored and respected for his status as a founder of this country but for his insight and refreshing honesty about all the topics he engaged. It is reasonable to say he was not a fan of the press as it frequently caused him at the very least annoyance or discomfort and possibly impeded the pursuit of his goals. And his commentary on it and support of its freedom is well documented. The following is eerily representative of where we find ourselves these days as there is a renewed effort from the left to raise the issue of the Fairness Doctrine and attempt to silence the opposition in direct conflict with the first amendment.
The reference below with the exception of writing style or choice of words could easily be thought of as borrowed from current commentary about the press.
Of course the entire discussion centers around the first amendment presented below.
Amendment I
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.
But as much as Jefferson could detest the press he also vigorously supported its freedom.
Thomas Jefferson, on the necessity of a free press (1787)
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.
another quote on the press……
I do not take a single newspaper, nor read one a month, and I feel myself infinitely the happier for it.
A quote from Thomas Jefferson again reminds us that throughout history things do not necessarily change much.
on democracy………
A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine.
on the nanny state………
I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.
The last two quotes above were only supplied due to its relevance to the nature of the polarized population where liberal sentiment is at odds not only with current conservatives but the history and founding of this nation as echoed through the words of Thomas Jefferson.
While slander and libel are common enough terms and their restriction and penalty for use are understood as necessary restraints to the idea and limitations of free speech. The press and individual rights to freedom of the press and free speech are understood to be necessary even when the exercise of these rights are objectionable to some. Trying to limit that freedom solely on objection to content as a matter of personal opinion with no basis in law to limit as in the case of libel, slander or the like renders the Fairness Doctrine an attack on the first amendment.
While persons on either side of an issue may express opinions or even facts their opposition finds objectionable, neither side should be allowed to silence the other as a remedy. Restricting freedom of speech is the first step towards tyranny whereas continued exercise of the freedom of speech strengthens against such tyranny.
Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com
November 18th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
The master at manipulating the press and introducing the “malignity of party spirit” that Jefferson despised as well as one of the originators of “The Politics of Personal Destruction” was Alexander Hamilton. He fought to undermine Jefferson, and most notably Adams (from his own party) as well. But Thomas Jefferson was hardly innocent of using the press to incite the “malignity of party spirit.” He also used the press and his relationships with several editors maliciously against John Adams throughout Adams’ presidency.
He actively worked (through surrogates) against the Presidency of George Washington (largely due to Hamilton’s presence in the Cabinet) and John Adams. His “discovery” of their malign, vulgar, and mendacious spirit might have had something to do with turnabout, especially when the Sally Hemmings affair made the news (published by one of his former allies in the press against John Adams).
Thomas Jefferson probably would have been comfortable with today’s political schisms. He was a strong believer in the principles underlying the French Revolution and actually looked forward to a new American revolution every generation. He would be among the first to oppose the Fairness (censorship) Doctrine. He certainly opposed the Alien and Sedition acts signed into law by Adams, under which some of his friends in the press were arrested.
I also imagine that Jefferson’s understanding of how easily the press could be manipulated even without resorting to government coercion might have had something to do with his not reading newspapers.
November 18th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
I reviewed a list of his quotes which of course included the one about a revolution every generation or so. I found that a little troubling only because revolutions seem a risky proposition even for those with good intentions. Maybe he was feeling a bit lucky with the way the last one worked out.
It is true for all the high praise bestowed upon Jefferson he did like most of us possess certain attributes not typically viewed favorably. I can only hope that this is part of the reason for his popularity in that his characteristics were quite human.
All that and a successful founder too. Could it be he was viewed no differently by his contemporaries than those in public life today?
November 18th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Well, I would think that he was viewed in a similar way by his contemporaries to those in public life today. The Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans were as ideologically opposed to one another as Democrats and Republicans are today.
Jefferson, and all of the founders are deserving of high praise because of the system they put in place, and for securing our liberties. At the same time, every one of them had their flaws, just as every man today does. I find that I like the philosophies of John Adams better than those of Thomas Jefferson. I also prefer the accomplishments of Alexander Hamilton during the revolution and the constitutional convention to his actions following the ratification of the Constitution.
I think that Thomas Jefferson would actually be quite comfortable as a modern day Democrat more than he would a modern day Republican. On the other hand, I think he was a lot more balanced in his outlook than modern Democrats. He particularly believed in the notion of individual liberty, but his life was full of contradictions more than that of most of the other founders. At least that’s the impression I get from what little reading about him that I’ve done.
I plan to rectify that sometime in the near future. Most likely after a thorough reading of Locke, Burke and Rousseau (the last for a more “socialist” take on rights).
November 19th, 2008 at 5:01 am
I have always longed for time to read serious literature. While I’m not sure if reading about the founders and other historical figures should be included, it certainly is serious literature to me. So between classic authors and the ones who allow me the freedom to read, etc., I have a big list and no time to get to it.
But these discussions and a little more luck in the personal life and I will make time for it. After all, I don’t want any more regrets from procrastination then I aready have.
Ya, Jefferson seems to have had some quirks. I think that is attraction for me beyond his obvious contributions and personal drive.