The Framers understood that a key contributor to a free society is a free press. Information is necessary for individuals to make decisions that best benefit themselves, their families, communities, and society. This is how societies grow and thrive.
A free society cannot exist when a political narrative supersedes the truth. The press has a responsibility that coincides with the constitutionally-protected freedom it enjoys. The press must report facts and information in a non-biased manner.
The press fails society when it does not act responsibly. There is no question the modern-day media does a great disservice to society.
"The functionaries of every government have propensities to command at will the liberty and property of their constituents. There is no safe deposit for these but with the people themselves; nor can they be safe with them without information. Where the press is free, and every man able to read, all is safe." —Thomas Jefferson
Today, a government official will occasionally express an opinion that reflects the point of view of an average citizen, and it gives us a glimmer of hope that not all is lost--that common sense haven’t completely disappeared from the public square.
There was one such instance this past week.
The case of Tah v. Global Witness Publishing was heard last September in the DC District Court of Appeals. The case dealt with an allegation that members of the National Oil Company of Liberia had accepted bribes in a business transaction. The important point to discuss here is not the merits of the case.
The story to focus on is the dramatic takedown of the modern American media by Judge Laurence Silberman in his detailed dissenting opinion. On March 21 The American Thinker published an article titled "A Federal Appellate Judge Challenged Supreme Court Infallibility," which helps to clarify the importance of an unbiased media in a free society.
Judicial activism and judicial overreach are blights on our society. The courts have continually expanded the role they deem appropriate for themselves and have faced little effective backlash.
Instead of fulfilling their constitutional mandate of applying the Constitution to laws passed by the legislature, the courts have issued blanket options on a wide-ranging number of issues. These issues are best decided in a robust national debate.
The expansion of the judiciary's role in modern society prevents these issues from being discussed. This is a major source of contention in society today.
Congress has the responsibility for limiting the jurisdiction of the juridiary. They have repeatedly refused to do so. The result is a court system that has grown wildly out of control.
One of the subject matter areas of our Convention of States resolution is term limits on federal officials. This can mean for Congress, political appointees, and the judiciary.
Judge Silberman’s dissenting opinion should buoy our spirits. We are a society that reveres the Constitution and upholds the rule of law. We cannot play defense. We must take control of the narrative, demand that our institutions are held accountable for their actions, and advocate for the truth.
One way to accomplish this is through volunteering and supporting the Convention of States Project. Here, ordinary citizens work together to achieve extraordinary things.
There are millions of Judge Silbermans among us. They are our family members, neighbors, co-workers, and community leaders. Yes, some are even in government roles.
Let us work to amplify the cause of liberty. Let us endeavor to provide voice to those who feel they have no voice. Let us be part of the solution that is as big as the problems.
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