Why Does a Democracy need Journalism and the First Amendment?

     In 1863, Abraham Lincoln described the United States of America in the Gettysburg Address as a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.  These famous words have stood the test of time and are very much prevalent in our present-day American democracy.  I, as an American, believe that we should strive for a political system comprised of selfless citizens who work for the betterment of the world.  We all have the right to vote men and women into office.  Those men and women are then given the right to use their abilities to better the world in which we live.   But, where the citizen’s power truly lies is in their right to voice their opinion. 

     This is where the art of journalism comes in.  Throughout history, journalists have been arguably the most resented people in society.  It is the job of the journalist to report the truth without exception.  And in many cases, especially those involving politics, the truth can be a very ugly thing.  This is why a true, honest democracy needs journalism.  No government of the people, by the people, and for the people can thrive if those same people are being misguided and betrayed.  A journalist must captivate the audience.  He/she must preach the truth in order to create a more informed and intelligent audience. 

     In order to embody the dream that Lincoln had for this country, we must welcome a diverse and unique population.  Not only through race or ethnicity, but in the practice of the citizen’s basic rights and privileges.  The First Amendment to our Constitution states that Congress shall not deny the practice of religion, free speech, or press.  This was written with the idea that people would not be afraid to express themselves, while also not being afraid to challenge one another.  A healthy democracy needs this mentality to succeed.  We must live our lives freely within the law, yet we must have the courage to be a voice of reason that will better the world.