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The New and Free Media

© Shaun Michael Jex

The flow of information shapes the course of history. Who has access to information, what information is allowed, and who controls it, shape the world that we live in. I am one of those who believe in the free access and presentation of all information and media. This is an idea that many of my journalist friends also agree with, supporting independent, alternative media/news to corporate news sold at the highest of rates. Everyone deserves access to news and information, regardless of their situations. This kind of egalitarian view, is what the United States is supposedly founded on, but which it has never lived up to as of yet.

I am aware that people often raise the objection that the United States is, comparatively the freest in its allowance of information flow than any other country, and thus should be exempted from these types of criticisms. I respond to this by saying that because we have the freest access to information, it is we who need the greatest reforms. Countries with no flow of information need to take the small steps, to ensure that their people receive the basic information they need for survival. In a country where, for the most part, this information is provided, I believe that we now need to begin making the larger steps that pave the way for further accessibility to information for everyone and anyone.

It is the law and tradition of those who would make themselves tyrants to curb the flow of information so that it resides within the hands of an elite few. Without the public's access to the facts, to the news, whatever those that hold the information claim as true, will generally be accepted. As George Orwell said, "Who controls the past now, controls the future. Who controls the present now controls the past." It is the manipulation of information and facts that leads to tyranny, oppression, and its only solution is the education of the masses.

I do not condemn those who work and sell their writings, their journalistic efforts, or who work for major news companies, publishing companies, etc. I understand the need to make a living. I myself have and still do make some money off of my publications out of necessity. Neither do I hold severe criticism to news agencies like CNN, or the New York Times that are not free and automatically accessible. I merely state that they are not near enough to do the world justice. Never in the history of the world has access to information been so vital to the well being of the masses. Imagine the number of conflicts that would cease if the flow of information in various parts of the world was not censored, broken and inhibited?