Carpenter: A blizzard in the First Amendment
(Ben Westerhof | CM Life)
January was a cold month for Americans, and I’m not referring to the polar vortex that swept across the nation. I’m talking about the pressure and chilling effect our First Amendment has faced since the start of the new year.
In January, agents for the Federal Bureau of Investigation appeared to violate shield laws by raiding the home of Washington Post Reporter Hannah Natanson, claiming that she was in possession of classified government materials.
Most recently, former CNN anchor Don Lemon and an independent Minnesota journalist, Georgia Fort, were arrested by federal authorities for their coverage of the ongoing anti-ICE protests in Minneapolis. This follows the death of Minneapolis residents Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were killed by federal agents.
“At my direction, early this morning, federal agents arrested Don Lemon, Trahern Jeen Crews, Georgia Fort and Jamael Lydell Lundy, in connection with the coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota,” stated U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi in a post on X.
Both Fort and Lemon have been released, and a federal judge has blocked the government from accessing Natanson’s electronic devices.
However, I believe this has left a bad taste in the mouth that provides free information. These actions by the federal government are an attempt to create a fear of repercussions by providing the truth.
The freedom of the press is stronger than fear. It was created to hold our leadership accountable for the decisions they make on behalf of our country, and that is not just my own opinion.
“Detaining or arresting journalists who are documenting a demonstration involving powerful institutions and government officials sends a dangerous message: that scrutiny will be punished,” said Executive Director of the Society of Professional Journalists Caroline Hendrie in a statement following Fort and Lemon’s arrest. “These actions chill coverage, erode public trust in authorities charged with upholding the law, and deprive the public of firsthand, on-the-ground reporting that is essential to an informed democracy.”
Journalists don’t report on behalf of the president, his administration or either side of the aisle on Capitol Hill. We commit ourselves to the truth and facts to help maintain our democracy by informing American citizens.
Light is often seen as a symbol of information. The sense of clarity or understanding when learning something. This ongoing pressure from the federal government on the first promise, the First Amendment, they made to us, is an attempt to dim that light.
If we don’t maintain the radiance of free information, our country will be shrouded in darkness, and it will become difficult to see the path in front of us as we continue the American experiment.
The First Amendment has faced similar stress in the past, and I am certain it will continue to do so. As Americans, let’s continue to hold the torch of freedom in the face of adversity in the hopes of a better tomorrow.
Blace Carpenter is Central Michigan Life's managing editor. He's a junior majoring in Journalism.
