Journalism is an important tool for free people and for free societies. Here are two stories from the last 24 hours that make that point.
From Maryland:
Maryland Politician Kirby Delauter: Reporters Can't Use My Name Without My Permission
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/maryland-council-member
Here is the newspaper's response:
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/kirby-delauter-maryland-newspaper-editorial
Key terms:
1/ Public figure -- what is a public figure?
2. Is Mr. Delauter a public figure?
3. What would happen if newspapers and reporters could not report on public figures without permission?
4. Why is Mr. Delauter's idea wrong?
5 What do you think of the newspaper's answer to his threat?
Here is the top story right now on the New York Times and other major news sites:
Gunmen in Paris Kill 12 at Offices of Satirical Newspaper
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/08/world/europe/charlie-hebdo-paris-shooting.html?hp&action=click&pg&module=span-ab-top-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news
6. What is satire?
7. Is satire protected speech?
8. Is satire used by the powerful or those challenging power?
9. What was the purpose of the attack in Paris?
10. What do you think the French should do?
11. Why do you think so many countries and international leaders have come forward to comdemn the attack?
12. Is satire protected in this country? Does the 1st Amendment's freedom of speech protections extend to satire?
From Maryland:
Maryland Politician Kirby Delauter: Reporters Can't Use My Name Without My Permission
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/maryland-council-member
Here is the newspaper's response:
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/kirby-delauter-maryland-newspaper-editorial
Key terms:
1/ Public figure -- what is a public figure?
2. Is Mr. Delauter a public figure?
3. What would happen if newspapers and reporters could not report on public figures without permission?
4. Why is Mr. Delauter's idea wrong?
5 What do you think of the newspaper's answer to his threat?
Here is the top story right now on the New York Times and other major news sites:
Gunmen in Paris Kill 12 at Offices of Satirical Newspaper
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/08/world/europe/charlie-hebdo-paris-shooting.html?hp&action=click&pg&module=span-ab-top-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news
6. What is satire?
7. Is satire protected speech?
8. Is satire used by the powerful or those challenging power?
9. What was the purpose of the attack in Paris?
10. What do you think the French should do?
11. Why do you think so many countries and international leaders have come forward to comdemn the attack?
12. Is satire protected in this country? Does the 1st Amendment's freedom of speech protections extend to satire?