Home » Topics » Rights and Freedoms » Freedom of the Press

Freedom of the Press
Constitutional Law / Constitutional Rights / Free Speech / Freedom of the Press / Government / Judicial / Law and Order / Law Enforcement / Laws / Religious Freedom / Rights and Freedoms

Was the Arrest of Don Lemon an Attack on the Constitution?

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The arrest of journalist Don Lemon has sparked claims of First Amendment violations from Democratic officials. However, federal authorities clarified that the arrests were tied to alleged criminal conduct related to the targeting of a church, not journalism. The First Amendment protects speech but does not exempt individuals from investigation for non-speech conduct.

Was the Arrest of Don Lemon an Attack on the Constitution? Read More
American / Family Values / Free Speech / Freedom of the Press / Political Violence / Politics / Religious Freedom / Rights and Freedoms / Supreme Court

Faith, Family, Freedom, Forgiveness vs. “Extremists”: Why Democrats’ Rhetoric After Charlie Kirk’s Murder Feels Like Gasoline on the Fire

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

While conservatives gathered to honor Charlie Kirk with themes of faith, family, freedom, and forgiveness, Democrats doubled down on labeling their opponents “extremists” and attacking the Supreme Court. In the very week that forgiveness triumphed over rage, their rhetoric poured gasoline on the fire—fueling division and empowering the radicals who act on words of hate.

Faith, Family, Freedom, Forgiveness vs. “Extremists”: Why Democrats’ Rhetoric After Charlie Kirk’s Murder Feels Like Gasoline on the Fire Read More
Free Speech / Freedom of the Press / Local News / Maryland / Montgomery County / News & Media / Politics / Rights and Freedoms

Evan Glass: Free Speech for Me, Not for Thee

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Montgomery County Executive Evan Glass claims to defend free speech while criticizing Donald Trump for influencing Jimmy Kimmel’s temporary show suspension. He lauds local press, ignoring independent voices that oppose him. The piece questions Glass’s commitment to genuine free expression, highlighting his preference for media that supports his agenda over criticism.

Evan Glass: Free Speech for Me, Not for Thee Read More
Free Speech / Freedom of the Press / Government / Government Corruption / Government Reform / News & Media / Political Violence / Politics / Rights and Freedoms / Social Media

From Firewall to Firehose: How the Smith-Mundt Modernization Opened the Door to Propaganda at Home

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Charlie Kirk’s assassination has reignited debate over the Smith-Mundt Act. Once a safeguard against government propaganda, it was weakened in 2012. Now, conservatives are demanding restoration under a new name: the “Charlie Kirk Act.”

From Firewall to Firehose: How the Smith-Mundt Modernization Opened the Door to Propaganda at Home Read More
Constitutional Law / Education / Education Reform / Free Speech / Freedom of the Press / Government / Law and Order / Laws / News & Media / Political Violence / Politics / Rights and Freedoms

One Standard for Extremism, Not Two

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Charlie Kirk’s assassination reignited debate about political violence—but it also exposed something deeper: a glaring double standard. When extremism comes from the right, the media and political class condemn it loudly. When it comes from the left, they excuse, minimize, or even romanticize it. If America cannot find one consistent standard, Kirk will not be the last martyr of selective outrage.

One Standard for Extremism, Not Two Read More
Accountability / Civil Rights / Civil Rights / Constitutional Rights / Crime & Violence / Free Speech / Freedom of the Press / Politics / Rights and Freedoms

Democratic Violence and the Silencing of Voices: The Assassination of Charlie Kirk on the Eve of 9/11

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The assassination of Charlie Kirk on the eve of 9/11 is more than a personal tragedy — it’s an act of democratic violence. A conservative voice was silenced with bullets, not debate, sending a chilling message to anyone who dares to speak freely. If free speech in America now requires a security detail, then our republic is already in crisis.

Democratic Violence and the Silencing of Voices: The Assassination of Charlie Kirk on the Eve of 9/11 Read More
Accountability / bias / Censorship / Freedom of the Press / Journalism / News & Media / Rights and Freedoms

CBS’s Deceptive Editing of Kristi Noem Proves Journalism Has a Credibility Crisis

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

CBS faced criticism for editing out crucial context from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s comments about an MS-13 connected human smuggler. This manipulation undermines journalism’s integrity, distorts reality, and erodes public trust. Such selective reporting transforms factual news into propaganda, raising questions about CBS’s commitment to serving the public interest.

CBS’s Deceptive Editing of Kristi Noem Proves Journalism Has a Credibility Crisis Read More
Accountability / Constitutional Rights / Democrats / Free Speech / Freedom of the Press / Government / Government / Government Waste / Maryland / Montgomery County / Politics / Rights and Freedoms

Montgomery County’s Hypocrisy on Press Freedom

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Montgomery County Council’s denial of press access to The Montgonion, a satirical news outlet, raises significant First Amendment concerns. Citing outdated journalism guidelines, the Council risks unconstitutional censorship. Satire is an important aspect of journalism, and silencing it undermines accountability. The community demands restoration of press access and greater inclusivity.

Montgomery County’s Hypocrisy on Press Freedom Read More
Accountability / democrats / Freedom of the Press / Government / Government / Governor / Maryland / News & Media / Nonprofits / Politics / Rights and Freedoms / transparency

Wes Moore Slips Out the Back Door: Maryland’s Governor Ducks Media as Nonprofit Spending Scandal Grows

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

On August 19, 2025, Maryland Governor Wes Moore evaded reporters after heralding job growth at a cybersecurity event, raising concerns about his administration’s opaque nonprofit spending. Despite a $3 billion deficit and bipartisan calls for transparency, Moore’s departure without addressing accountability issues symbolizes a troubling lack of leadership and fiscal responsibility.

Wes Moore Slips Out the Back Door: Maryland’s Governor Ducks Media as Nonprofit Spending Scandal Grows Read More
Artificial Intelligence / Disability Rights / Free Speech / Freedom of the Press / News & Media / Racism / Rights and Freedoms

From RAND to Rage: When a Researcher Can’t Handle Criticism

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Dr. Adejare Atanda, a RAND researcher, faces criticism for attacking an independent journalist using AI images instead of addressing arguments. His insults and decision to block the journalist suggest a lack of accountability. This behavior undermines RAND’s credibility and highlights a double standard in discourse between elites and independent creators.

From RAND to Rage: When a Researcher Can’t Handle Criticism Read More