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The Thomas Jefferson Discussion Group
of Orlando, Florida
Meeting No. 3 - July 24, 2001
Chapters Bookstore, Orlando, Florida
THIS MONTH'S TOPIC: FREEDOM OF THE PRESS
How does the following quote of Mr. Jefferson's relate to the media's treatment of the Chandra Levy disappearance:
...The basis of our government being the opinion of the people, the first object should be to keep that right; and were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter. But I should mean that every man should receive those papers and be capable of reading them.
From a letter to Colonel Edward Carrington, January 16, 1787
Questions for discussion:
- What would be Mr. Jefferson's reaction to this case?
- How has the media changed since Jefferson's time- would this affect his position on the media?
- Has the Chandra Levy coverage been excessive?
- If so, what is the remedy for excessive media coverage?
- Has the coverage been balanced?
- Does today's media, in general, show a bias toward a particular political philosophy?
- If so, what is the remedy for that bias?
- Has the Chandra Levy media coverage been fair to Gary Condit?
- If not, what are his options?
- What is the difference between a court of law and the court of public opinion?
- What rights are guaranteed to Rep. Condit under our constitution?
- Have any of these rights been violated?
- If so, what are his options?
- What similarities, if any, exist between this case and the Clinton/Lewinsky affair?
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