In 1820, Thomas Jefferson said this about the future of democracy in the hands of the people. If we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion. For some reason, not too many governments can handle satire. My heroes in the world are the men and women in these countries who, knowing the consequences, persist in holding up their leaders to ridicule. One thing is certain, attempts will continue well into this century to restrict press freedom around the world.
Totalitarian states survive by keeping their subjects ignorant and servile.
Journalists who cover and report what is happening in those countries can expect to put their liberty, their well-being and their lives on the line in doing their jobs. The Joplin Globe and may not be reproduced without permission.