Thomas Jefferson in 1787 before becoming third President of the United States said that if it were left to him to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, he would not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter. These words of Thomas Jefferson in today's information age are more than significant in a democratic society. The keystone of American democracy, enshrined in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution is free and independent media.
It has been argued that the end of the Cold War and globalization has made Western-style liberal press system as a universal model and no nation can free itself from the powerful influence of its universal value. It is important however to consider that press freedom is a creature of politics. It has no relation whatsoever to the so-called sets of Asian values which are founded on Asia's major philosophies and religion, neither as a standard of measure for comparison.
Cowboy Bedding Sets
Corrupting the role of the mass media as a Western-liberal value will not inevitably bring stability to nations in the end. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides the framework for boosting a socially creditworthy press in Asia and the world. It is important that the media system of a country is more consistent with universal human values. Press freedom is synonymous with democracy. Where there is press freedom, there is democracy.
After the cold war and the so-called democratization of Russia, some Russians view the limited experiment with American-style democracy as a failure. It is explained as the failure of the Western-style freedom of the press because of the oligarchs buying off the press to accomplish their political aims and protect their own interests. One Kremlin official, who predicted that freedom of the press, will soon end, said: "it wasn't really free at all."
Press freedom has positioned itself as a very important factor in a democratic system. Admittedly however, it can be a two-sided blade. On one side, it is the fulfillment of freedom of communication, freedom of speech, creativity, control, education, etc. On the other side, it can be the evil that destroys harmony, which creates hatred and dissatisfaction, a tool for defamation and lies, the threat to stability and progress and worst threaten the pillars of democracy.
Press freedom is a vital component of democratization and globalization, Japan and other Asian countries however, are not open societies. It is not easy to shift from quasi-authoritarianism to true democracy. Japan is a signatory to the World Trade Organization (WTO), as such, it must be ready to grimace future developments such as press freedom and matters directly or indirectly affecting globalization.
The role of media is essential to carry out the objectives of globalization. Foreign investments are necessary in nation-building. Foreign media must not be denied information regarding the economic stability of a country. To be globally competitive, access to information is of paramount importance. In business, advertisements, largely carried by commercial news media generated increase demands for product, thereby increasing exchanges in commerce. Since market is wholly dependent on market price and free flow of data, the role of media need not be overlooked. The press is the bridge that could fill the gap between countries and its people. Media provides a link to the world.
Today's age of terrorism where the forces of evils are at work, media could vitally function as a tool to assist society in combating these forces. Terrorism has been a major issue not only in the Asean regions but the concern of the whole world as well. Terrorism is everywhere. Nobody knows when and where it would attack. It would be easier for countries to combat terrorism if there is mutual cooperation. Exchange of information through the press and the media may support preventives measures in dealing with the problem.
When natural calamities strike, media plays an important role. Radio stations prove to be instrumental in relief efforts and operations. By listening to radios, people can avoid further disasters and preventive measures could be undertaken immediately. Studies prove that the higher newspaper circulations, the higher the public distribution of relief supplies and materials. Studies also proved that countries are more active in protecting the people where there is a higher level of media development.
Freedom of expression cannot be disintegrated from press freedom. It is necessary for the press to assert freedom of expression to accomplish its mission and duties to the world. Liberal democracies feature constitutional protections of individual rights against the powers of the government. Freedom of expression is fundamentally a human right, a right protected not only by the constitution but recognized under international law.
Cyber Monday Wild West Cowboy Western Children's Bedding 3pc Full / Queen Set 2011 Deals
Dec 04, 2011 22:00:59
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Cyber Monday Wild West Cowboy Western Children's Bedding 3pc Full / Queen Set Feature
- 3 Piece Bedding Set: 1 Full/Queen Comforter, 2 Standard Shams
- Dimensions: Comforter - Full/Queen (86in x 86in), Standard Shams (20in x 26in)
- This set uses cowboy, red bandanna and cow prints, embroidered horseshoes and sheriff stars
- This set is made of 100% cotton and microsuede and is machine washable.
- This design has matching accessories such as mobiles, lamp shades, window treatments and wall decor.
Cyber Monday Wild West Cowboy Western Children's Bedding 3pc Full / Queen Set Overview
JoJo Designs Wild West Cowboy Full/Queen Bedding Ensemble has everything you need for your little cowboy. This striking children's bedding set uses a collection of exclusive JoJo Designer Prints. The coordinating fabrics include 100% Cotton JoJo Cowboy Print fabric, Brown and Cream Cow Print, Red Bandanna Print, Plaid, Denim, and Chocolate Microsuede. Detailed with embroidered horseshoes and sheriff stars, this set will create a western theme room that your little cowboy is sure to enjoy.SAVE NOW on Cyber Monday offers below!
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