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In reply to the discussion: Julian Assange: Surveillance Apparatus ‘a Threat to U.S. Democracy’ [View all]Uncle Joe
(58,331 posts)89. No where did I imply that Republicans stealing votes was something to take as "appropriate" had you
actually used reason and logic in interpreting these paragraphs in my post, you would know that freedom of the press empowered the American People to adjust for those inequities.
The people didn't come out on their own in a vacuum, they had information which empowered them and in turn elevated our society.
No President was elected by the people until John Q, Adams election of 1824 and even that one had some shady underpinnings which eventually propelled Andrew Jackson to the White with a clear majority 647,286 popular votes and 178 electoral votes to John Q. Adams 508,064 popular votes and 83 electoral votes.
African American Men weren't allowed to vote until the 15th Amendment was ratified February 3rd 1870. Even after this with the advent of Jim Crow Laws, poll taxes etc. etc. were set up to deny them the right to vote.
The 17th Amendment allowing the American People to vote directly for their Senators wasn't ratified until May 31st 1918.
The 19th Amendment allowing American Women the right to vote wasn't ratified until August the 18th 1920.
"Throwing the bumbs out" is far more difficult if not impossible, if you don't have a free press.
Your claim of "that was then and this is now" basically disregarding history along with human nature and supporting your diminishment of a free press can only lead to putting the bums (Republicans and otherwise) in to power with less chance of ever having them thrown out.
Furthermore no where in the 1st Amendment does it say you or anyone else has to like someone for them to be a member of the press or to have freedom of speech.
If that were the case, there is no doubt we wouldn't have a free press and in turn no free elections.
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Oh I am supposed to take the word an anti-American of Australian decent
VanillaRhapsody
Oct 2013
#19
Freedom of the press is American Democracy. Why should we feel differently about freedom of the
Uncle Joe
Oct 2013
#18
Without freedom of the press, you won't have elections except perhaps in name only.
Uncle Joe
Oct 2013
#76
No where did I imply that Republicans stealing votes was something to take as "appropriate" had you
Uncle Joe
Oct 2013
#89
Maybe he, Assange, being on the outside can see the trees in our forest better than we can.
RC
Oct 2013
#21
Is it a concern...yes...is it "the end of our country as we know it"? doubtful...
VanillaRhapsody
Oct 2013
#81
Even though the Australian government is more Liberal than our government, they are still our ally.
RC
Oct 2013
#102
Since revolutionary war times, we've had a balancing act of security and surveillance
SleeplessinSoCal
Oct 2013
#13
Because libetarian means different things to different people, both the left and right
Uncle Joe
Oct 2013
#24
I disagree with Assange re: his economic remedy but I understand his point view.
Uncle Joe
Oct 2013
#37
What exactly ARE his credentials that he thinks he is an expert in politics and history?
VanillaRhapsody
Oct 2013
#46
The Wikipedia post states that Assange is largely self taught but one doesn't have to be a history
Uncle Joe
Oct 2013
#59
Perhaps Assange should be more like Newt Gingrich, Gingrich must be correct because he has a Ph.D
Uncle Joe
Oct 2013
#71
Who is it of you to presume that other countries feel comfortable calling us their "model"...
VanillaRhapsody
Oct 2013
#56
It's common knowledge that American democracy has been a model for the world from its inception.
Indi Guy
Oct 2013
#57
Depends on what your definition of democracy is I guess. I suppose I think it is a bit more
VanillaRhapsody
Oct 2013
#64
The crackpot who made sure his political party preferred neo-nazis to greens? That Assange?
struggle4progress
Oct 2013
#39
The dude whose pal "Shamir" was trying to sell US State Department cables in Moscow? That Assange?
struggle4progress
Oct 2013
#40
The guy whom Ecuador's ambassador called "the stone in the shoe"? That Assange?
struggle4progress
Oct 2013
#42
History will record Assange as a hero (assuming that the narrative is not co-opted).
NoodleyAppendage
Oct 2013
#43
Yes, it is a threat to U.S. democracy while they claim to keep you safe. It's all for your own good
Jefferson23
Oct 2013
#111