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.