#@pressfreedom

[memenewsdotcom]

Evan Gershkovich sentenced

[karl-says]

As my good buddy Bebel once said, "the more the ruling class resists, so too the more violent the introduction of the new order."

[worldwatcher3072]

Examining Democratic Norms:

Analyzing Concerns Surrounding Donald Trump's Policies

In the realm of politics, no figure has been as polarizing in recent memory as Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States. During his tenure from January 20, 2017, to January 20, 2021, his policies and leadership style elicited varied responses from the public and experts alike. While some praised his efforts, others expressed concerns over the potential erosion of democratic norms. In this blog, we will analyze some of the policies associated with Trump's administration that raised questions about authoritarian tendencies and their implications for democratic institutions.

Attacks on the Media: Preserving Press Freedom

One of the key tenets of a robust democracy is a free and independent press. Throughout his presidency, Donald Trump frequently criticized the media, particularly when faced with critical coverage. The "fake news" label became a common refrain, creating an atmosphere of hostility and mistrust towards journalists and media outlets. Critics argued that this rhetoric undermined press freedom and the role of the media as a check on government power, which is a crucial safeguard in democratic societies.

Executive Orders: Balancing Executive Power and Checks

The use of executive orders is a legitimate tool for presidents to implement policy decisions swiftly. However, Trump's administration was known for its extensive use of executive orders, sometimes bypassing Congress to enact policies. Critics expressed concerns that this approach could weaken the checks and balances system that ensures a fair distribution of power among the three branches of government. While executive orders can expedite decision-making, they should be used judiciously and in accordance with democratic principles.

Immigration Policies: Striking a Balance

Trump's approach to immigration was a central point of contention during his presidency. The "Zero Tolerance" policy, which led to the separation of families at the border, sparked significant outcry and accusations of inhumanity. Critics argued that it prioritized border control over humanitarian considerations and raised questions about how democratic societies should balance border security and compassion.

Rhetoric and Division: Fostering Unity and Inclusivity

Trump's rhetoric often targeted specific ethnic and religious groups, and his language against political opponents and critics was at times inflammatory. Critics pointed out that such divisive rhetoric could exacerbate social divisions and undermine national unity. In democratic societies, leaders are expected to foster inclusive dialogue and promote a sense of unity among citizens, regardless of their political affiliations.

Pardons and Self-Pardoning: Upholding the Rule of Law

The presidential pardon power is an essential element of the U.S. Constitution, allowing presidents to grant clemency to individuals convicted of federal crimes. However, some of Trump's controversial pardons raised questions about the potential abuse of this power for political purposes. Additionally, discussions about the possibility of self-pardoning raised concerns about the limits of executive authority and the need to uphold the rule of law.

The Trump presidency was a tumultuous period in American politics, marked by both praise and criticism. While his policies may have resonated with some, others raised valid concerns about potential threats to democratic norms. It is crucial for citizens to engage in informed and respectful discussions about the impact of political actions on democratic institutions. By upholding democratic principles, promoting inclusivity, and safeguarding freedom of the press, we can collectively strengthen our democracy and ensure that it remains a beacon of liberty and justice for all.

[primecashpro]

Happy World Press Freedom Day!

"May the press always be free to speak truth to power." . . .

[agenciacomunicacion]

30 Aniversario del Día Mundial de la Libertad de Prensa https://www.unesco.org/es/days/press-freedom https://bit.ly/DMLP2023

#DíaMundialDeLaLibertadDePrensa #DíaMundialDeLaLibertadDePrensa2023 #LibertadDePrensa #ProtegerALosPeriodistas #TodoVaBien

World Press Freedom Day 30th Anniversary https://www.unesco.org/en/days/press-freedom https://bit.ly/2023WPFD

#WorldPressFreedomDay #WorldPressFreedomDay2023 #WPFD #PressFreedom #ProtectJournalists #EverythingIsAlright

Compartido por . Shared by: https://rafaelangel.es https://agenciacomunicacion.com https://periodista.be

[pressnet]

30 Aniversario del Día Mundial de la Libertad de Prensa https://www.unesco.org/es/days/press-freedom https://bit.ly/DMLP2023

#DíaMundialDeLaLibertadDePrensa #DíaMundialDeLaLibertadDePrensa2023 #LibertadDePrensa #ProtegerALosPeriodistas #TodoVaBien

World Press Freedom Day 30th Anniversary https://www.unesco.org/en/days/press-freedom https://bit.ly/2023WPFD

#WorldPressFreedomDay #WorldPressFreedomDay2023 #WPFD #PressFreedom #ProtectJournalists #EverythingIsAlright

Compartido por . Shared by: https://rafaelangel.es https://agenciacomunicacion.com https://periodista.be

[theglobalcommonsnews]

Jimmy Lai denies foreign collusion allegations in his trial, challenging accusations in Hong Kong's legal battle.

[internet-siren]

Why WikiLeaks Is So Goddamn Important (aka, the unsung hero of transparency and accountability)

Alright, let's talk about something that matters—WikiLeaks. If you’ve ever wondered why it’s such a big deal or why it has so many people fired up (for better or worse), here’s the tea. ☕️

1. It’s About Holding Power Accountable

WikiLeaks isn’t just about spilling hot gossip 🍵. It’s about peeling back the curtain on the things our governments and corporations don’t want us to know. Think about the Iraq War Logs. The diplomatic cables. All those documents that exposed the kinds of behind-the-scenes deals that directly affect people’s lives. No one should have the right to hide that kind of stuff from the public, and WikiLeaks is one of the few platforms willing to show us the truth—even when it’s ugly. 😳

2. Whistleblowers Are Heroes

People like Chelsea Manning, Edward Snowden—they’re not “traitors,” they’re heroes. 🦸‍♂️🦸‍♀️ They’re the people who risk it all to bring light to the stuff that the powerful would rather keep in the shadows. WikiLeaks is the platform that helps amplify their voices when they’re too scared to speak out any other way. The truth comes at a price, and these brave people deserve to be heard. 🎤

3. In a World of Lies, Transparency is Key

You don’t need a degree in political science to see how messed up the world can be when information is kept under wraps. 🕵️‍♀️ WikiLeaks flips the script by making sure the people who hold the cards aren’t the only ones who know what’s going on. It’s a reminder that in the age of information, we should be the ones who have access to the truth, not just those at the top. 👑

4. It’s About Free Speech, Baby

WikiLeaks doesn’t just publish documents—it’s a symbol for press freedom, for our right to know. ✊ If they can come after Julian Assange and anyone connected to WikiLeaks, they can come after any of us. The fight for WikiLeaks is the fight for all of our right to speak freely, expose the truth, and refuse to let those in power control the narrative. This is bigger than just one person or one platform. It’s about making sure we can all stand up and speak out without fear. 🔥

5. It’s Not Just About Politics—It’s About Us

At the end of the day, WikiLeaks isn’t about the left or the right. It’s about the people. ✌️ It’s about making sure that the voices of everyday people aren’t drowned out by the elite. It’s about making sure we have the power to know what’s happening in the world so we can make informed choices, whether we’re voting, protesting, or simply living our lives. 🌍

So yeah, WikiLeaks matters. It’s messy. It’s controversial. But it’s also one of the few things standing between us and a world where the powerful control everything. And that’s why we should care. Because if we let the truth be buried, we lose. Period. 💀

📚 Want to read more?

WikiLeaks Official Website

History of WikiLeaks: A Deep Dive

[rhk111sblog]

A nice Article about the true State of Philippine Journalism as of now, under this Administration of President Bong Bong Marcos (PBBM). As I have been saying, almost all of the Philippine Mainstream Media (MSM) right now don’t work for the Filipino People anymore, they work for whoever Oligarch it is that owns them, they basically are just the Propagandists of the Oligarchs. Here are some selected Excerpts from the Article:

“Even self-styled Guardians of Press Freedom, especially the US-funded Media Outfits like Vera Files, Rappler, the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, and the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility are exposed as Minions by this Binag Exposé. They have been totally silent on this Issue. Why? Because Marcos is a certified Puppet of the US, and these Entities can't defy the American Hand that feeds them. ABS-CBN's Karen Davila, whose "Head Start" Program has focused on one-on-one Interviews, and featured and interviewed hundreds of less Newsworthy Personalities, would have begged to interview Cathy Binag. She didn't. In fairness to Davila, that "don't" order would have come from the very top.”

“Such Control has become an Existential Requirement for the Marcos Clan. After two Years, he has inarguably been a bad President, even our worst, buoyed to remain in power by the US and Media. His US-prodded belligerence toward China, the Economic Superpower in Asia, will bring us to ruin. Doesn't he ever wonder why among Asean's 10 Members, it is only the Philippines that is hostile to China?”

“However, the steep rise in Newsprint Prices (the biggest cost for a newspaper), President Estrada's call to his Billionaire Friends not to place Ads in the Newspaper, President Duterte's move to wrest the lucrative Mile-Long Commercial Center away from the Rufinos took a heavy toll on the Paper and the Rufinos' Financials. A Year after Magsanoc died in 2015, the Rufinos took full control of its Editorial. It even dropped the Paper's original Slogan "Without Fear or Favor" that projected its crusade to expose corruption in Government — a signal to stop fighting the Government. The Paper is even afraid of ever losing control of its Editorial Side by not appointing an Editor-in-Chief, with an "Associate Publisher" competing in power with an "Executive Editor." There will be no more powerful Editor-in-Chief like Letty Magsanoc in the Inquirer the Rufinos have ensured.”

“Our Ambassador to Washington, Jose ("Babe") Romualdez, told me he owns substantial Shares in the Star. Romualdez's open Bias toward the US and his belligerency toward China explains why the Newspaper has become basically the main Propaganda Sheet for the American Lies in the South China Sea Dispute, with its Daily Messaging directly coming from Washington.”

Here is the Link to the Article on “The Manila Times” Website: https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/08/12/opinion/columns/ph-mainstream-media-betrays-democracy/1963307

SOURCE: PH Mainstream Media betrays Democracy {Archived Link}

[renovatio06]

The #MortalSin: Is #JulianAssange a Traitor, sexually harrassing Narcissist or Activist? My Personal Musings on his Plea Deal and its Outcomes

Julian Assange arrives at court, image credit: Reuters Original Article: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68282613 Hardly a topic these days that doesn’t have people up in arms and pitched against each other as if their lives depended upon it! Homo sapiens and particularly the male specimen of the species tends to display territorial behaviour quickly, i.e. defending their turf, when…

[biz-bites]

Julian Assange: Free Speech on Trial?

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's legal saga raises a critical question: where does press freedom end and government secrecy begin? Assange's case hinges on publishing classified documents exposing alleged war crimes and government misconduct.

Supporters argue that Assange is a journalist acting in the public interest. They fear his prosecution sets a dangerous precedent, chilling investigative journalism and whistleblowing. If journalists can be charged for publishing classified information, who decides what's truly a secret and what the public deserves to know?

On the other hand, critics argue Assange recklessly endangered lives by publishing sensitive information. They distinguish between leaking and publishing, suggesting Assange did not act with journalistic responsibility.

The Assange case walks a tightrope. National security concerns are valid, but so is the right of a free press to hold powerful institutions accountable. A clear line needs to be drawn, ensuring transparency without compromising safety. Only through open dialogue can we determine how to balance these competing interests.

Read More.

[tmarshconnors]

US Must Drop Charges Against Julian Assange!

In a world where the essence of democracy hinges on transparency and the free flow of information, the relentless pursuit of Julian Assange by the US authorities stands as a grave injustice. It is imperative that the espionage and all other charges levied against Assange, rooted in his work with WikiLeaks, be immediately dropped. The US government's dogged determination to prosecute Assange for publishing documents that reveal potential war crimes committed by the US military is a blatant assault on the fundamental right to freedom of expression.

Julian Assange, a beacon of journalistic integrity, is currently confined within the oppressive walls of Belmarsh, a high-security prison in the UK. His imprisonment is a direct consequence of a US extradition request, aiming to prosecute him for disseminating disclosed documents through WikiLeaks. This is an affront to justice and a dangerous precedent for freedom of the press. Amnesty International vehemently opposes any move to extradite or otherwise transfer Assange to the US, where he would face severe human rights abuses, including the specter of torture and inhumane treatment, such as prolonged solitary confinement.

The hostility directed at Julian Assange by US officials at the highest levels further erodes his right to be presumed innocent, casting a long shadow over the fairness of any trial he might face. This campaign of vilification is not just an attack on Assange, but on the very principles of justice and democracy.

Assange's publication of disclosed documents as part of his work with WikiLeaks should be celebrated, not condemned. This act of transparency mirrors the essential functions that investigative journalists perform daily. To prosecute Assange for this is to strike fear into the heart of journalism itself, compelling reporters to self-censor in the face of potential prosecution. Such a chilling effect on the right to freedom of expression is intolerable and must be resisted with all our might.

Julian Assange is not just a man; he is a symbol of the struggle for truth in an age of deceit. The charges against him are an attack on every journalist, every whistleblower, and every citizen who believes in the right to know what their government is doing. The United States must drop these charges immediately and unequivocally. Only then can we begin to restore faith in the principles of freedom and justice that underpin our society.

In this urgent call for action, we stand not just for Julian Assange, but for the very future of a free and open press. We stand for the truth, for accountability, and for the enduring power of free expression. The time to act is now. The world is watching.

[digital-bud]

03rd May, 24 | World Press Freedom Day

World Press Freedom Day holds immense significance in safeguarding democratic principles and promoting transparency. It empowers journalists to report freely without fear of censorship or persecution, ensuring access to accurate information for informed decision-making. From a personal perspective, one effective way to enhance press freedom of speech is to support independent media outlets and…

[imperialgurgaon]

On World Press Freedom Day, we salute the brave journalists who strive to keep us informed and empowered. Your dedication to truth inspires us all.