9 Comments
User's avatar
Mark Keating's avatar

You know, that last one - the freedom to petition the government for redress of grievances - is hardly ever mentioned. Sign of the times, I guess. At the turn of the 19th century, ignoring a plea from the citizenry (well, the white, land owning part at least) was considered *shameful*. And that was enough to provoke at the very least, a response. These days, shamelessness is practically a prerequisite for political office.

Expand full comment
Diana van Eyk's avatar

People really have to dig for accurate news these days.

Expand full comment
Mark Keating's avatar

It's true. But also a double-edged sword. Confirmation bias is a powerful force.

Years ago, in the time before Trump, a friend of mine wondered in in a Facebook post how to determine which sources were reliable. I think she was being genuine; yet the responses to her question quickly devolved into tribalism and finger pointing. In the years since it has only gotten worse.

Expand full comment
7thSignSoul's avatar

" . . .The U.S. has been trending downward on RSF's index since 2013, when it ranked 32nd in global press freedom. A decade later, it had fallen to 45th place before plunging to 55th place last year amid Trump's attacks on the media. . . "

AND WHOOOOO 🧐 was U.S. President in 2013❓

___________________ Presidential term: January 20, 2009 - January 20, 2017

Expand full comment
Mark Taylor's avatar

Obummer.

Expand full comment
7thSignSoul's avatar

Or wuzzit Obomber❓

Expand full comment
The Revolution Continues's avatar

Nothing surprises me any more when it comes to the US. Let's hope Substack remains open to all opinions and takes, but I can see the Trump admin getting their mitts on it.

Expand full comment
Mark Taylor's avatar

Yes, let us hope.

Expand full comment