Freedom of press is necessary evil
Once again it becomes abundantly clear why the founding fathers of the United States felt compelled to include the Bill of Rights in their blueprint for America. Most importantly: freedom of speech and the freedom of the press.I say that it is “abundantly clear” because it is people like Colleen Labbe who make it necessary for freedom to be enforced by law instead of good sense.Ideally, a society should be able to express feelings and ideas in a public forum, like the press, without ridicule. However, human nature and the Puritanical beginnings of American life would prefer that only that which is popularly acceptable be shared through the media. Popular opinion is not the only opinion – the press is the ultimate tool that can be used to elucidate the public to that of which they might otherwise be unaware.The Lantern is an exceptional publication being produced by students at Ohio State University as a laboratory exercise. If their writings, editorials and cartoons are not of the same caliber as the Post or Times, so be it. All things have a beginning; the learning process is a labor of love and a commitment of time. I think likening the Lantern to a tabloid is an insult. I’ve never seen a tabloid print criticism of itself, nor have I seen a tabloid printed daily and distributed for free.Furthermore, since Labbe mentioned an advertisement for Penthouse, I’d like to mention Larry Flynt. Mr. Flynt has spent most of his life fighting for the power of the free press. He has spent time in jail and fought countless court battles just so he can exercise his right to free speech and free press. There are some people who understand that freedom is more than just being able to go to school, buy Big Macs, or own semi-automatic weapons. Some people see freedom as the greatest gift that can be given. People like me.And, even though I do not like what Colleen Labbe and Larry Flynt have to say, I will defend to the death their right to say it – just as I defend the Lantern’s right to print it – because the alternative is unimaginable.
