Bastions of Freedom

The ‘American Press’ was adjudicated specific constitutional rights by our founders. It was hoped that they might rigorously expose the institutional abuses that are inherent and systemic within a powerful government. The architects of this nation knew that politicians would be insulated from the citizenry once they were elected. Their authority, privilege, control and influence would shield them from any coercive fraud that may have been a part of their political campaigns. Responding to the needs and expectations of the people who put them into office may not, or might cease to be, a priority in their lives.

These elected public officials would enjoy the power, benefits, prestige and  resources that come with the office that they hold. Their entitlements really distort the notion of actually being a public servant. They blur and pervert the relationship between the governed and the government. Many times the critiques offered by ordinary folks fall upon deaf ears.

People do not willingly accept governmental exploitation. Those in power are quite aware of the volatility which led to the formation of this nation. A ‘Free and Constitutionally Protected Press’ would be the answer that safeguarded our recently delegated unalienable rights, as it insured the maintenance of our newly acquired liberties, in anticipation that the need for further revolutions and wars of independence might be eliminated.

The right of the press to publish freely does not require them to adhere to any set standard. Unfortunately, many publishers and editors throughout the world have politicized their coverage of certain governments. Some have been forced to under the threat of personal harm, others because they share the same ideologies of the those in power. Mesmerized by the celebrity status of the powerful, much of the endearing media has chosen to report the narratives being put forth by this administration as fact. Rarely probing or challenging the government’s version of events. Many are frightened that they will be targeted as enemies of this regime and denied the access they require to earn a living.

An objective analysis of political events is difficult to secure, as the media outlets all prescribe to their particular brand of coverage and partisanship.

Individuals courageous enough to publicly proclaim the malfeasance of a government, do so at much risk and peril to themselves. Within our own government, we have seen retribution and retaliation taken against law-abiding citizens, simply because their political beliefs are in contrast to those of the ruling elites.

Any private citizen who identifies the innate corruption that comes from the over-reaching power of government, can be crushed by said power at any time. They are subject to the full force and might of a government that composes ‘kill lists’, spies upon its citizens and refers to the murdering of children in distant lands as collateral damage.

The dauntlessness of those extraordinary editors who valiantly lay it all on the line, so that the people may be kept accurately informed, is an indispensable ingredient of a free society. These individuals are the bastions of freedom.

Advancing the cause of liberty is a responsibility that must not be shied away from by a press that has guaranteed constitutional protections. Too many have given “their last full measure of devotion” to establish and maintain this right.

John Donnelly

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John Donnelly, a resident of Key Largo was born, raised and went to high school in the South Bronx. Upon graduation he was awarded several scholarships to college.  He chose to enlist in the United Sates Marine Corps.

While serving in Vietnam John was wounded in action. He received two meritorious promotions, one during combat.

Upon discharge and return to America, John had a difficult time transitioning back into civilian life. He found himself homeless for the next 4 years.

As he worked out some troublesome concerns, he began to yearn to make some sense of his experiences via education. He sought and received his GI Bill benefits. He applied and was admitted to New York University. He later transfered to the University of Miami where he graduated on the President’s Honor Roll.

John secured a teaching position at a Maximum Security Prison Facility for criminally insane adolescents. While working there he earned a Master of Science degree from Florida International University. He graduated Summa Cum Laude.

John spent the next 20 years teaching elementary and high school students, while doing some coaching and instructing as an adjunct college professor. John was the recipient of the Mayor Stephen P. Clark award, which recognized him as an “Outstanding Educator”. During this time he continued his work clothing, feeding and counseling the homeless.

John has been acknowledged by the Disabled American Veterans, the Miami Vet Center and the Veterans Council of Monroe County for his efforts on behalf of homeless and addicted veterans.

Recently, John was privileged to spearhead the successful release of a wrongfully accused inmate who faced 3 life sentences, without the possibility of parole, for crimes that he did not commit. This young man has since been returned to his twin sons and graduated with honors from one of our nation’s premier vocational colleges.

John continues to research and write on issues facing our ‘One Human Family’.