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Fierce Mobs, Brilliant Scoundrels, and the President's Mission to Destroy the Press

Thomas Powell

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Lincoln's Wrath: Fierce Mobs, Brilliant Scoundrels and a President's Mission to Destroy the Press

by Jeffrey Manber

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	368 pages

The press has been a vital part of American democracy since its inception. The First Amendment to the Constitution guarantees freedom of the press, and this freedom has been essential to the development of an informed citizenry and a government that is accountable to the people.

However, the press has also been under attack from its earliest days. In the 17th century, colonial governments tried to suppress newspapers that criticized them. In the 19th century, mobs attacked newspaper offices and killed journalists. And in the 20th century, the government used sedition laws to prosecute journalists who published information that was critical of the government.

Today, the press is once again under attack. President Donald Trump has repeatedly called the press the "enemy of the people" and has encouraged his supporters to assault journalists. He has also tried to undermine the credibility of the press by accusing them of publishing "fake news."

The attacks on the press are a threat to American democracy. A free and independent press is essential for a healthy democracy. It informs the public about important issues, holds the government accountable, and provides a platform for dissent.

We must defend the press against these attacks. We must support journalists who are ng their job and demand that the government respect the First Amendment.

The History of the Press in the United States

The history of the press in the United States is a long and complex one. The first newspaper in the United States was published in Boston in 1690. In the early days, newspapers were often partisan and used to attack political opponents. However, over time, newspapers became more objective and began to play a more important role in informing the public.

In the 19th century, the press played a vital role in the abolition of slavery and the women's suffrage movement. Newspapers also played a key role in exposing corruption and holding the government accountable.

In the 20th century, the press continued to play an important role in American society. Newspapers and magazines helped to inform the public about the Great Depression, World War II, and the Cold War. The press also played a key role in the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War.

Today, the press faces new challenges. The rise of the internet has led to a decline in the circulation of newspapers and magazines. However, the press continues to play an important role in informing the public and holding the government accountable.

The Role of the Press in American Democracy

The press plays a vital role in American democracy. A free and independent press is essential for a healthy democracy. It informs the public about important issues, holds the government accountable, and provides a platform for dissent.

The press informs the public about important issues by providing news and information about current events. This information helps the public to make informed decisions about their lives and their government.

The press holds the government accountable by investigating and reporting on government actions. This reporting helps to ensure that the government is transparent and responsive to the people.

The press provides a platform for dissent by allowing people to express their views and opinions, even if those views are critical of the government. This freedom of expression is essential for a healthy democracy.

The Attacks on the Press

The press is under attack from many quarters today. President Donald Trump has repeatedly called the press the "enemy of the people" and has encouraged his supporters to assault journalists. He has also tried to undermine the credibility of the press by accusing them of publishing "fake news."

We must defend the press against these attacks. We must support journalists who are ng their job and demand that the government respect the First Amendment.

The press is a vital part of American democracy. It informs the public about important issues, holds the government accountable, and provides a platform for dissent. The attacks on the press are a threat to American democracy. We must defend the press against these attacks and ensure that it remains a free and independent institution.

Lincoln's Wrath: Fierce Mobs, Brilliant Scoundrels and a President's Mission to Destroy the Press

by Jeffrey Manber

4.7 out of 5