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October 18, 2007
Shield us
Ever see those scenes in "All the President's Men" when a mysterious government source nicknamed Deep Throat helped Bob Woodward discover all the shady goings-on in the Nixon White House?
Well, in this day and age, those people are a little hesitant to talk, and journalists may be reluctant to seek them out, thanks to the fact that the federal government can ask them to identify their sources in a court of law. (Hello, Judith Miller.)
That may be changing, though. And we journalists could use YOUR help.
The U.S. House of Representatives this week passed legislation, 398-21, that would keep us from being forced to testify or reveal sources in court. That's called a shield law, and while it's in effect on the state level, that's not the case on the federal level. (Props to Rep. Zach Wamp for being one of the good guys on this bill.)
Now the bill is going to be debated in the Senate, and the White House has threatened a veto of the measure.
Here's what we need you to do: get in touch with your senators (Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker) and encourage them to support the Reporters Shield Law.
Lamar Alexander
alexander.senate.gov
752-5337
Bob Corker
corker.senate.gov
756-2757
While it may seem that this law only benefits reporters, it actually benefits YOU more. Because the more we can find out about what the people in power are doing, the more educated you can become and the better decisions you can make at the ballot box.
So get busy!
Media | By pulseblogger | 01:35 PM
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