The constitution's first amendment and the press:

"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."

In these times of ever larger government and ever reduced representation of the people. It is important to remember that our forefathers created a set of guidelines for the governance of the country. These documents are the frame work of our way of life. The Constitution, its amendments and the Bill of Rights make it perfectly clear how the government should work, what its powers are and most importantly what the limits on those powers are.

How soon we forget that our government is "by the people and for the people". We are quick to remember them when we are personally involved, but they are set aside when we do not perceive that the issue(s) pertain directly to ourselves.

Recently, the systems and procedures that are spelled out in the afore mentioned documents, have been ignored or intentionally subverted by the current regime. Most notable of these is the first amendment to the constitution (stated above). Our leaders have attempted to suppress information vital to the people's right to know. As a matter of face, there is no way of telling just how much of this vital information may have been suppressed.

For a government "of the people" full disclosure of information is the most significant part of government "by the people" If we don't have all the facts, it is impossible to make informed decisions or even to have intelligent discussions of the issues facing our nation.

Therefore, attacks on the press by the government are most grievous, for it is the press that provides most of the "uncensored" information that is distributed to "we the people". Every citizen of the United States of America should shout their displeasure at the suppression of the press. We should send letters to our congressional and senatorial delegates demanding that they force the administration to be forth coming with all the information that is required for the population to have inelegant discussions and to make informed decisions on the issues of the day.

It is also imperative that our collective memories be jogged every time congress is about to make a decision. We should also be reminded at the most crucial exercise of our "democratic" duty, our vote.

The press has the responsibility to keep the public informed. Sure, there are "conservative" and "liberal" press out there. Our jobs as citizens is, to recognize these biases and make sure that we get both sides of the story. If we can't figure out where the information is coming from, or what "slant" the press has put on it, then we are in a sad state of affairs.

We are all complacent, I am guilty myself, but it is time to wake up and smell the rot. It is time for action, call, write or email your congressman, senator and even your local politicians and make sure that they understand the importance of informing the public of what they are doing. Start a discussion group with you friends and relatives on all the issues that effect not just you, but all citizens. Insist that they exercise their rights, not just at the polls, but to remind the government that it is at our plaster that they serve, "We the people".