Melanias purse wrote Today at 6:30pm:
freediver wrote Today at 5:04pm:
Is there any practical difference between freedom of speech for the individual and freedom of press that is relevant to Don Lemon's case? As far as I can tell there is none. Freedom of the press does not mean that the press can participate in a crime while acquiring or disseminating information, any more than an individual can participate in a crime while speaking their mind. The only meaningful right given to the press but not to individuals that I can find is limited protection from being forced to reveal their sources, which is not relevant here.
Your rights do not change just because you wear a badge that says journalist.
That's the point. "The press" is included in the first amendment as an example of a profession the US government is not allowed to restrict.
In reality, "the press" has considerable rights, powers and entitlements, but I'm curious.
What is your view on the government restricting religious rights?
You didn't say.
I am all for religious rights.
I don't get your point. Anyone is allowed to become a journalist. Fair enough, the government cannot demand licences like they do for medicine. But that is also not relevant to Don's case, and not a "special" privilege that is different from individual freedoms. You could not restrict the right of "the press" to say things without also restricting the right of individuals to say things.
Quote:This protects the right of people to report on events and interview willing people including at protests.
How does it do so any differently to individual rights? Are you saying people are not allowed to do these things unless they are officially part of "the press," which the government is not allowed to officialise in any way?