Does a democracy need Journalism and the First Amendment? --Q&A on the topic

On Journalism
1. Now tell me again, what is your definition of journalism?
My definition of journalism:  a popular industry for providing news coverage, either written or broadcast, to a population.
Not only is journalism very important, but defining words is also very important.  Too often we use language without a real connection to its meaning.  It's a very tough undertaking but I've tried to be more aware of the words I use and trying to truly capture what I mean to say. 

2. How many different models of journalism exist today?
In short, only 2.  There is print journalism (ie newspapers, magazines, etc.) and broadcast journalism (news shows, political shows etc.)
The very interesting thing about different models of journalism now is that there are so many avenues that allow people to not only digest and interpret the news, but to also participate.  This very blog, and the millions like it are their own form of journalism. 

3. What is your definition of democracy?
Democracy--a form of government that relies on participation from its citizens in the form of elections to function correctly.

4. What is the difference between "election politics" and "public politics"?
Election politics are those that cause me the most frustration with our government.  Elections have sadly taken a turn for the sour and this is something I'm afraid we aren't making a move away from.  In my early voting history all of the candidates I've seen have, in one way or another, ran their campaigns from a negative attitude toward their opponents.
Public politics are the most important and the type that have the most immediate effect on citizens.  I classify public politics as those of a smaller scale, community and city government where the public has a much larger and more affecting voice in the outcome.  Public politics is more issue focused and less partisan oriented.

5. What was the Lippmann v. Dewey debate?
The Lippmann-Dewey debate focused on how media should protect the public interest.  Very much the same discussion we have when asking why does a democracy need journalism and the 1st amendment.
6. What does the 1st Amendment say exactly?
The 1st, and perhaps most famous amendment, provides five freedoms:  of press, religion, protest, speech and assembly.

7. Are any of those protections important in your life?
In short, yes, all of them are.  Each freedom allows me the ability to be my own person and to not have to conform to any ideas I do not support or believe in.  Especially freedom of religion and speech are important to me because I'm allowed, through them, to speak out when I don't believe in or support things, and I'm allowed to be religious or not be religious and to choose any religion or belief I wish.

8. Everybody keeps talking about diversity:  Why is diversity in religion, speech, press, assembly and petition so important to a democracy?
Diversity is the very idea that it's OK to be different and actually allows these freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly and petition.  Diversity showcases all of the different opinions and ideas.

9. How do journalists and the First Amendment ensure that people hear diverse voices in the marketplace of ideas?
The important thing is that nothing ensure that all people will be exposed to diversity and different ways of thought, the only way this can happen for sure is if the person goes out and does questioning and thinking for themselves.  Journalists and the news are the perfect resource for this questioning however.

10. Can you speak from personal experience about how diversity, protected by the First Amendment or championed by journalists, made a difference in your life?
With ideas respecting religion especially, it is OK in our country and especially during our era to be questioning of all established religions, especially Christianity which seems to be the biggest religion in our country.  For me, it's always been important to be able to question my faith and to decide how I approach the issue.  This wouldn't be possible without the 1st amendment.      

 

Does a democracy need Journalism and the First Amendment?

Family.

Why does a democracy need Journalism and the 1st Amendment?

I start thinking about this essay by asking myself, DOES a democracy need journalism, and DOES a democracy need the 1st Amendment?  My answers to both were:  yes, of course.  The easiest of the two to answer for me was, does a democracy need the 1st Amendment?  I believe that without our 1st Amendment to the constitution our democracy would have failed soon after it's inception.  The 1st Amendment allows citizens to fully function under their own will, and to define "functioning" for themselves.  My interpretation is that the 1st Amendment set American democracy up to last, in that it allows for unhappiness, disdain, and overall frustration with government and doesn't simply force citizens to sit aside idly while they are governed.

unhappiness, disdain and overall frustration

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 
Journalism is also overtly necessary for a functioning democracy.  Journalism is the watchdog of a democracy, or any other form of government.  Because Journalism is its own industry and is separate from the government it is able to have a more over-arching view of the government and thus can inform citizens of happenings.  Without Journalism, we citizens would be entirely uninformed of our government and of the news surrounding it and the rest of our nation and world.  Staying informed is IMPORTANT! and it is the key to participating in our democracy. 

Why does a democracy need journalism and the 1st Amendment:  because the citizens of the democracy need to be informed and because they need to have fundamental rights allowing them to control their lives.   

Qdoba or Chipotle: the eternal debate

As I’m writing this blog I’m incredibly hungry and growing more so with every minute that passes. 

Although I’m suffering from a great amount of hunger, I’m not yet to the stage where it doesn’t matter to me what I eat, so there’s a debate between Chipotle and Qdoba.   

            I often have this debate with myself and friends as to which place is better for my lunching/dinnering.  Today, Qdoba is the favorite.  Why, Andrew?  You might find yourself asking yourself  this—and I’ll tell you even though it will keep me from eating my burrito that much longer.  After all, the people who read and comment on my blog are the most important thing. 

            I prefer Qdoba over Chipotle when I’m feeling gritty, or when I’m feeling hungover, especially when I’m feeling both.  Although I imagine the calorie count to be well into the 1,000s for a burrito I get at any of the two fine restaurants, Qdoba seems to pack a bit more greasy and unhealthiness into their burrito, which is perfect for the aforementioned gritty and hungover feelings.  Both restaurants provided cool stainless steel table tops which are pleasant especially when I reach the point midway through my meal and need to lay my head down on a cool clean surface, this is particularly soothing for head and body aches that so often accompany my endeavors from the night before. 

            The debate pretty much ends here, or at least this is where my stomach starts to tell me I’ve cleared up pretty much everything I’ve needed to say. 

            So long friends, I hope you’ve enjoyed my first blog. 

(a segment I’d like to do at the end of each blog, showcasing a Facebook status I feel is worthy of mention.)

Favorite Facebook status: 

“sometimes I wish I could read peoples minds…things would be easier”