[Leica] Freedom of the press? WAS (something else)

[Daniel Ridings <daniel.ridings@muspro.uio.no>]

> The U.S. is way ahead of the rest of the world in press freedom - in
> concept. Libel laws in Britain, France and other countries are pitiful
> excuses for democratic societies. They destroy freedom of the press.

In concept ... but in actual fact they are only ranked 17th place ...
behind: Finland, Iceland, Norway, Netherlands, Canada, Ireland, Germany,
Prtuagal, Sweden, Denmark, France, Australia, Belgium, Slovenia, Costa
Rica and Switzerland :)

http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=4116

(From the Reporters without borders).

> The big problem in the U.S. is that commercial interests keep most of
> the major publications from running risky stuff that the European Press
> would be happy to run.

Uhhuh ... we noticed that in the build up to Iraq. You're right.

> But, if a publication would desire to run just
> about anything but child porn, they are free to do so. Not so in
> Europe. Offend the wrong official, and you go to jail. Have your
> "license" to practice journalism revoked. In the US, it is
> unconstitutional to license journalists. In fact in Israel, right now,
> this very controversy is boiling over.

Hmmm ... there are 13 European countries ahead of the US when it comes to
freedom of the press. Which "Europe" are you referring to?

> The moral majority has no say in the matter. Not only that, when was
> the last time the moral majority was taken seriously? Some time back
> about eight years ago? You folks in Europe need to actually read
> something factual about the States some time, not some snob
> Euro-centric writer who's never stepped foot in the Western Hemisphere.

And you might try reading something other than the English press in
Europe. There are some publications in other languages.

Sorry, it's not the moral majority that rules anymore, it's the patriots.
I was behind the times.

Best,
Daniel
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