tblan005
On Guard
The dangers of Being Ernest
By Teresita Blanco
5/31/2010
Freedom of the Press is usually taken for granted in modern day America. This country was founded under the ideas of freedom of speech and the press. Upholding the truth is a dangerous crusade filled with many road blocks. These roadblocks appear in the form of policemen, attack dogs, angry mob and indifferent state government. At times, it takes a great sacrifice in order to rouse the masses toward a proper goal.
During the Civil War the Southerners used to harass the members of the press. Many editors such as Reverend Lovejoy suffered countless atrocities at the hands of southern plantation owners and slavery upholders. At times the members of the press had a hard time finding lodging in the South. During the Civil Rights movement members of the press suffered similar police beatings along with the activist they filmed. In Alabama, NBC reporter Richard Valeriani was struck in the head with the back of hammer while state trooper stood indifferently watching.
Reporting is a tuff job. Reporters have incurred throughout American history countless harassment. Even today reporters are met with cold shoulders in their arduous quest for truth.
