In light of the current national dialogue on the value of press freedom, we at the Florida First Amendment Foundation (FAF) want to underscore our commitment to protect your right to know. On a daily basis and frequently at great risk, the press plays a vital role in our democratic nation, providing us with the information we need as citizens to engage with our government.
Why does open government matter? And how is our right to oversee our government dependent on a free press? These are fundamentally important questions that have been asked — and answered — since the founding of this country. Thomas Jefferson acknowledged the value of a free press, “as long as the presses can be protected, we may trust them for light.” And, of course, James Madison, considered the father of open government, famously said, “Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own Governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.”
In support of Press Freedom day, the First Amendment Foundation has compiled a list of those editorials and op-eds that have been published in Florida. Be sure to check back — the list is growing and we will continue to add links as we find them.
Florida Times-Union Jacksonville