Blog
Register-Herald – Shield Law
- By: ASNE staff
- On: 10/30/2007 12:34:07
- In: Shield law editorials
Bush won't win this battle
The Register-Herald, Beckley, W.V.
Oct. 18, 2007
Spurred by broad bi-partisan support, the House of Representatives passed legislation earlier this week extending new protections for journalists and their sources - despite the threat
Bush won't win this battle
The Register-Herald, Beckley, W.V.
Oct. 18, 2007
Spurred by broad bi-partisan support, the House of Representatives passed legislation earlier this week extending new protections for journalists and their sources - despite the threat of a presidential veto.
Tagged as a "Shield Law," the bill calls for the establishment of standards limiting federal authorities in their ability to require reporters to reveal sources and/or documents, or to force their testimony in the courtroom.
The Bush administration disagrees and says the proposed law would create "immediate harm to national security and law enforcement."
Now we aren't 100 percent sure, but when legislation in the House gains virtually unanimous backing, 398 to 21 in this case (and 15-2 with a similar bill recently brought before the Senate Judiciary Committee), don't you think a straightforward message is being delivered to The White House?
Consider these facts.
For more than 30 years, media associations and organizations have been battling for this law and extensive efforts have been made to include exceptions when journalists have information or sources dealing with a potential act of terrorism, or other acts that may harm national security along with exclusions deemed as critical for resolving criminal matters. All of these points are valid and needed.
But we figure this would apply in very few cases, and has nothing to do with the day-to-day job of being a journalist.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers Jr. issued the following statement about the Shield Law:
"In recent years, the press has been under assault. It's Congress' responsibility to ensure that the press is able to perform its job adequately. This measure balances the public's right to know against the legitimate and important interests society has in maintaining public safety."
It's the responsibility of the free press to act as the eyes of the public, both as a guide dog and watch dog, in an ethical and honest manner. Providing us with this ability and protection, as Conyers said, is what our elected leaders should -and must - do if they have any respect for the Constitution.
Obviously, Congress agrees with this stance - and it's overwhelming.
President Bush needs to take a hard look at the administration's position before exercising his veto power.
It would be both a waste of time and a battle he won't win.