YUP THE DEMOCRAT RUN SENATE DOES NOT WANT FREEDOM OF THE PRESS WHEN THEY HIDE AGAINST A LEGISLATION THAT PRETENDS TO BE PROTECTING THE PRESS BUT INSTEAD WILL OPPRESS THE NEW INTERNET MEDIA–JUST LIKE WHAT A GOOD OLE DEMOCRAT LOVES TO DO IS TO BACKDOOR A TYRANNICAL LAW TO CONTROL THOSE THEY WANT TO REPORT–THANKS BE TO FEINSTEIN (D-CA), DURBIN (D-IL), ScHUMER (D-NY) AND SESSIONS (R-AL)

The Senate is considering a so-called shield law that would protect journalists from having to reveal their confidential sources when they report on the news. While on its face it may sound like a good idea, the only reason governments ever create shield laws is because they want to spell out circumstances under which they can go after people who spill the beans about government secrets and corruption.

Under the First Amendment, Americans have the right to say anything they like about any piece of news they want, so long as it doesn't actually cross into the realm of treason or other criminal activity. Most politicians realize they aren't going to get anywhere trying to punish an outfit like the New York Times when it prints secret information leaked to them by a government official or other source.

But small time reporters, writers and bloggers? Well, that's a different matter. Crooked politicians don't want to have to put up with the insects of the journalism world, and they ultimately want to keep all the media in line. That's where shield laws like the proposal before the Senate come in. They allow petty tyrants to define who is and is not covered by the First Amendment.

Courts tend to go along with this form of limiting freedom because it has the appearance of protecting speech while actually doing the opposite.

Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)

Dick Durbin (D-IL)

Chuck Schumer (D-NY)

Jeff Sessions (R-AL)

Read more at http://politicaloutcast.com/2013/09/senate-tries-divvy-first-amendment-rights/#FPqmGsZ0i9R1DZXG.99