Senate leaders ought to allow their colleagues to vote on the Free Flow of Information Act.
The measure, HR 2102, is also known as the federal reporter’s shield law. It was authored by Rep. Mike Pence, an Indiana Republican. Sen. Richard Lugar authored a companion bill in the U.S. Senate, and Sen. Evan Bayh is a co-sponsor.
This measure has already passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 398-21, but time is running out for action in the Senate. If the measure does not win approval before the body adjourns in four weeks, the bill will go back to square one, forced to make its way through the entire legislative process again next year.
Without this protection, reporters will continue to be faced with a choice between going to jail and breaking a promise. The whole idea goes against the very concept of a free and unfettered press.
In the end, though, this bill isn’t about protecting reporters. It’s about protecting you, the public, and your right to know what’s going on in the government your tax dollars support.
Now and then, a courageous public servant will come out publicly to blow the whistle on government wrongdoing or incompetence, but more often than not, these folks want to offer their information anonymously. Folks like Deep Throat of Watergate fame simply won’t come forward without a promise of confidentiality, and reporters should not be required to go to jail to keep those promises.
“Sadly, today the free and independent press in America is under fire,” Pence said in a speech last week on the House floor. “In recent years, more than 40 journalists have been subpoenaed, questioned or held in contempt for failure to reveal their confidential sources.”
The press plays a crucial role as a watchdog on government, Pence said.
“Long ago,” he said, “Thomas Jefferson warned that, ‘Our liberty cannot be guarded but by the freedom of the press, nor that limited without danger of losing it.’ Jefferson’s words hold true today, and the passage of the Free Flow of Information Act in this Congress is necessary not only to explicitly and fully provide for the freedom of the press in our nation, but also to protect our liberty for future generations of Americans.”
We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
– Pharos-Tribune, Logansport, and Kokomo Tribune
Opinion
It’s time for Senate to act
- Opinion
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Dog days can threaten dogs
Central Indiana felt the heat this Memorial Day weekend. Afternoon temperatures were in the mid-90s, and heat indices made it feel even warmer.
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Forever thankful
Monday is Memorial Day, a national holiday to remember those who have died while serving our country.
Memorial Day officially
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Cheers and Jeers - Saturday, May 26, 2012
Thanks for your kindness
Terry Siegrist, a paralegal in Salina, Kan., sends this Cheer:
“The family of the late Esther Sprinkle wishes to send our heartfelt thanks to all who gave so generously of their kindness and sympathy in the death of our beloved mother and grandmother. We especially want to thank those who visited us at the funeral home and sent flowers, cards, memorials or food.
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USPS scales back plans
The issue: Postal Service plans to keep smaller post offices open.
Our view: Agency deserves credit for listening to the concerns of customers.
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Sign change is overdue
A colleague of ours years ago said Indiana lawmakers should change the state motto to “We’ll Get Around to It.” His observation is both funny and sad.
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Tips on flag etiquette
Monday is Memorial Day – set aside to honor those Americans who gave their lives in this nation’s wars. Lots of folks fly the flag every day as a show of patriotism, but what many might not know is that there are specific rules outlined in the U.S. Flag Code concerning its display.
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Cheers & Jeers - Saturday, May 19, 2012
Carriers collect 19 tons of food
Brian S. Kidwell of Branch 533 of the letter carriers union sends this Cheer:
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Walk a lap, fight cancer
Before you read any farther, stop for a second and think about what this one word means to you: cancer.
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Program eyes troubled kids
If you know a teenager who has gotten off track, Elissa Andersen might be just the person to call.
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Editorial - May 15, 2012: Hard work still pays
The issue: The Class of 2012.
Our view: Congratulations on your achievement, graduating high school seniors, and remember to thank those who helped you along the way to success.
- More Opinion Headlines
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