The County Line
State Rep. Jim Lucas has authored proposed state legislation that would require news reporters and other journalists to be licensed to write for publication or airing on radio and TV. That would be a dangerous step toward controlling freedom of the press.
Of course, the U.S. Constitution dictates that there be “unabridged” freedom of the press. So the Lucas legislation would certainly be struck down in court. But, long before that, such a move would hopefully be voted down in the state legislature.
Lucas, a Seymour awning company owner, says he is not serious about trying to get his licensing proposal enacted into law. That’s good to hear. He says his real intention is to eliminate licensing for the carrying of firearms.
Since press freedom is guaranteed in the First Amendment, and the right to bear arms is guaranteed in the Second Amendment, Lucas feels that pointing out what he feels in the inconsistency between licensing guns and not licensing journalists will encourage fellow legislators to eliminate the requirement for a permit or license to carry.
The difference, however, is that freedom of expression by journalists does not include any physical ability to harm another person. And, if a newsman libels a person or institution there is civil recourse through the courts.
A permit to carry a firearm is designed to limit dangerous individuals from causing physical harm to others. Of course, as we have learned, it does not always work. There are always “crazies” who do harm and don’t have a permit or may even have one and still become a threat. And, there is no recourse for a dead victim.
So, while Rep. Lucas probably understands this, it would be well if his proposed legislation is discarded. It’s not a debate that we need to have and certainly a law that we do not want.