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Jacksonville activist Curtis Lee, who battled the citys Police and Fire Pension Fund over a costly records request, has been recognized by the First Amendment Foundation for his efforts to ensure a more open government.

Lee, nominated by his former attorney and current judge Bob Dees, is the recipient of the 2016 James C. Adkins/Sunshine Litigation Award.

Im pleased for the recognition, Lee said. I did what I did not to make money, but because I thought it was the right thing to do.

About six years after Lee relocated to Jacksonville from New York, he spotted a story in The Florida Times-Union about the underfunded Police and Fire Pension Fund. It sparked his interest.

He became a regular at council and pension fund meetings. But ultimately, his simple request for documents from the pension fund spiraled into three court cases and more than $400,000 in legal fees for the city of Jacksonville.

Before Lee could even view the documents, he was told he would have to pay $326. Lee said he would pay only for the documents he wanted to copy. However, the pension fund managers still wanted the $326, plus $280 to have someone monitor him while he sifted through records, a 2015 Florida Times-Union article said.

Lee sued and he won. The win came with a bit of a snag: He wouldnt get a reimbursement for his legal fees. On appeal, Jacksonville Police and Fire Pension Fund tried to argue it had made an honest mistake and violated the law in good faith. The court sided with Lee, instructing the pension fund to pay $75,000 to Lee. The Florida Supreme Court agreed.

To Lee, the win has statewide implications. The First Amendment Foundation, through its award, recognizes his effort.

Governments already have a large advantage over citizens, who usually do not have as much money as these entities to contribute to a legal fight. A court decision saying governments could then avoid paying judgments if it was determined they violated the law in good faith, Lee said, would further tip the scales.

If that was the case, the effectiveness of the law and of the publics right to records would be undercut, Lee said.

Florida Times-Union editor at large Frank Denton won the award in 2014. Also to be recognized this year, Scott Ellis, clerk of the court for Brevard County, won the 2016 Pete Weitzel/Friend of the First Amendment Award.

Both awards will be presented at the foundations annual Sunshine Recognition luncheon March 14 at the Governors Club in Tallahassee during Floridas Sunshine Week celebrations.

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First Amendment Foundation honors Jacksonville activist - Florida Times-Union

Nevadas newly elected U.S. senator, Catherine Cortez Masto, has already taken up the cudgel against the First Amendment previously wielded by her predecessor, Harry Reid.

She put out a press release recently announcing that she has joined with other congressional Democrats to reintroduce a constitutional amendment that would overturn Supreme Court rulings that have held that it is a violation of the First Amendment to restrict the amount of money corporations, nonprofits, unions and other groups may spend on political campaigns and when they may spend it.

In its current incarnation it is being called the Democracy for All Amendment. In previous years it bore the unwieldy acronym DISCLOSE Act Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections. Reid frequently took to the floor of the Senate to pound the table for the amendment and disparage the Koch brothers political spending as the embodiment of evil.

The U.S. Constitution puts democratic power in the hands of the American people not corporations or private companies, the press release quotes Cortez Masto as saying. Since the Citizens United decision, big corporations have gained unprecedented influence over elections and our countrys political process. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this legislation; its critical that we end unlimited corporate contributions if we are going to have a democratic process and government that will truly work for all Americans.

In the 2010 Citizens United decision, a 5-4 Supreme Court struck down the part of the McCain-Feingold campaign finance law that prohibited organizations such as Citizens United, a political action committee, from expending funds for electioneering immediately prior to an election. In this case the Federal Election Commission blocked the 2008 broadcast of Hillary: The Movie, which was critical of Hillary Clintons presidential bid.

During the arguments in the case, the Justice Department attorney defending the law admitted the law also would censor books critical of candidates, though newspapers and other media, most owned by large corporations, were exempted from the law and may criticize, editorialize and endorse or oppose candidates freely. Some corporations are more equal than others.

Cortez Mastos statement concluded, The Democracy for All Amendment returns the right to regulate elections to the people by clarifying that Congress and the states can set reasonable regulations on campaign finance and distinguish between individuals and corporations in the law.

The problem is that free speech is not free if the incumbent government satrapy can curtail its dissemination.

Justice Anthony Kennedy explained this in his majority opinion in Citizens United v. FEC: As a restriction on the amount of money a person or group can spend on political communication during a campaign, that statute necessarily reduces the quantity of expression by restricting the number of issues discussed, the depth of their exploration, and the size of the audience reached. Were the Court to uphold these restrictions, the Government could repress speech by silencing certain voices at any of the various points in the speech process. (Government could repress speech by attacking all levels of the production and dissemination of ideas, for effective public communication requires the speaker to make use of the services of others).

The fact the expenditure is coming from a group instead of an individual does not negate the First Amendment guarantee of the freedom of expression by prohibiting Congress from restricting the press or the rights of individuals to speak freely, because it also guarantees the right of citizens to assemble peaceably and to petition their government.

An assembly is not just a crowd of people on the street, it is also an organization.

Reid in one of this many diatribes on the subject said: But the flood of special interest money into our American democracy is one of the greatest threats our system of government has ever faced. Lets keep our elections from becoming speculative ventures for the wealthy and put a stop to the hostile takeover of our democratic system by a couple of billionaire oil barons. It is time that we revive our constituents faith in the electoral system, and let them know that their voices are being heard.

This implies the voters are too stupid to hear an open and free-wheeling debate and not be influenced by the volume or frequency of the message.

Lest we forget, in the 2016 presidential election, Donald Trump was outspent by Hillary Clinton by two-to-one $600 million to $1.2 billion.

Censorship is unAmerican and unnecessary. Cortez Masto should abandon this assault on free speech.

Originally posted here:
Commentary: New senator wants to shred First Amendment protection - Elko Daily Free Press

The First Amendment says, Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

The First Amendment says, Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. This Amendment is being tried already after just a few weeks into a new administration:

Four journalists jailed while reporting on the demonstrations in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 1. They will be charged with felonies for showing America what was going on after the inauguration.

Steve Bannon, senior advisor to the President, tells America to ignore journalists and the news. Does this mean we are to listen to the AltTruth coming out of the Press Room, early morning tweets and Conway instead of what photographs show of the sparse crowds on Jan. 20? On Nov. 12, 2013, at a book signing in D.C., Steve Bannon said the following when asked what his political philosophy was: Lenin wanted to destroy the state, and thats my goal too. I want to bring everything crashing down, and destroy all of todays establishment.

It looks like hes well on his way to doing just that.

The news channel watched by the president for news is FOX (Faux) News. This source of information has been proven to be accurate only 40 percent of the time. This is his source while he calls CNN a source of fake news. Again, photographs shown on this station that were taken at 12:01 by a Routers photographer from the Washington Monument and shown on CNN dont lie.

Instead of focusing on the issues confronting our country, tweets and speeches about the election being rigged that he would have won by 45 million votes if it werent for fraud. He defined fraud as being registered to vote more than once. Perhaps he forgot to check with his daughters, Ivanka and Tiffany, his son-in-law, who is another senior advisor or senior advisor Bannon all of whom are registered in two different states, thus meeting the presidents definition of voter fraud.

An Executive Order banning entry of people from six countries even if they have valid green cards based on religion is against a law passed by Congress 50 years ago. Where is the legal counsel to advise when Executive Orders break the law and cause chaos at airports here and around the world? And why were Congressmen denied access to those detained at Dulles airport after a Federal Court intervened Saturday?

Kelly Conway dissed the judge since he was an Obama appointee is the Oval Office and its unelected spokespeople saying the president can choose what judicial decisions they will uphold?

One last note: Trumps approval rating after just 8 days in office was a 51 percent disapproval rating according to Gallup. In Gallups history, no president has had a disapproval rating like this in such a short period of time. By the same pollster using the same methodology, it took Reagan 727 days to reach a disapproval rating under 50 percent, Bush I took 1,336 days, Bush II 1,205 days.

If you havent read George Orwells 1984 this might be a good time to read it (or re-read it if you havent in a few years). It may just move you to action.

Have a great day ...

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Letter to the Editor: What's the future of the First Amendment? - Gridley Herald

TheWrap Is Hiring a Reporter to Cover the First Amendment

TheWrap has addeda reporting position devoted to writing aboutmatters relating tothe First Amendment.

The reporter will cover challenges to freedom of the press, expression, assembly and religion inan erawhen those freedoms are under new and severepressures.

The decision follows multipleattacks by the White House on the media, including President Donald Trump referring to the press as the opposition party and top presidential adviser Steve Bannon enjoining the press to shut up and listen. It also follows the rise of fake news sites and a debate over the role of social media networks like Facebook in disseminating falsified reporting. All of these will be the daily reporting territory for this new position.

Also Read: Trump vs. Press Freedom: How Much Damage Can He Do?

TheWrap has posted the following position, and is taking resumes for an experienced reporter and writer:

TheWrap is a news site focused on the entertainment business, culture and media. The subjects we cover including journalism, movies, TV shows and the internet exist because of the First Amendment. From curbs on religious freedom to threats on the news media, we believe the First Amendment is under attack.

As our First Amendment reporter, you will cover every aspect of the First Amendment in America today. You should be endlessly fascinated by this subject, and passionately committed to reporting on freedom of speech, religion, and assembly. You will write about how the First Amendment functions and is challenged in the U.S. today, writing with wit, depth and flexibility.

This beat could fuel dozens of stories a day, so youll need strong news instincts and judgment to prioritize which ones are the most important, as well as excellent time management to balance breaking news, short dispatches and investigative pieces. You wont always need to write fast, but youll have a much easier time if you can. Youll develop a network of sources of all viewpoints, reflecting the reality that governments, corporations, activists and individuals can all prop up or undercut First Amendment freedoms. You should alsobe a deep thinker who will help us define this role in ways we cant yet imagine.

This is a full-time position that includes competitive pay, health insurance and vacation.

Apply toeditors@thewrap.com

Read original story TheWrap Is Hiring a Reporter to Cover the First Amendment At TheWrap

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TheWrap Is Hiring a Reporter to Cover the First Amendment ... - Chron.com

By Mark Trahant

Jenni Monet, a Native American journalist, was arrested last week while covering Standing Rock. You'd think that would trigger a lot of support from the national and regional news media.

There is an idea in law enforcement called the "thin blue line." It basically means that police work together. A call goes out from Morton County and, right or wrong, law enforcement from around the country provides back up.

Jenni Monet was arrested while covering the Standing Rock movement last week. But most of the press has been silent about the charges she facesand the implications for the First Amendment.Aboriginal People's Television Network

You would think journalism would be like that, too.

When one journalist is threatened, we all are threatened. We cannot do our jobs when we worry about being injured or worse. And when a journalist is arrested? Well, everyone who claims the First Amendment as a framework should object loudly.

Last Wednesday, Monet was arrested near Cannon Ball, North Dakota. She was interviewing water protectors who were setting up a new camp near the Dakota Access Pipeline route on treaty lands of the Great Sioux Nation. Law enforcement from Morton County surrounded the camp and captured everyone within the circle. A press release from the sheriff's Department puts it this way: "Approximately 76 members of a rogue group of protestors were arrested." Most were charged with criminal trespassing and inciting a riot.

As was Monet. She now faces serious charges and the judicial process will go forward. The truth must come out.

But this story is about the failure of journalism institutions.

The Native press and the institutions that carry her work had Monet's back. That includes Indian Country Media Network, YES! Magazine and the Center for Investigative Reporting's Reveal. In Canada the Aboriginal People's Television Network reported on the story during its evening news. And, the Los Angeles Times has now weighed as well in with its own story written by Sandy Tolan who's done some great reporting from Standing Rock.

The Native American Journalists Association released a statement immediately:

"Yesterday's unlawful arrest of Native journalist Jenni Monet by Morton County officers is patently illegal and a blatant betrayal of our closely held American values of free speech and a free press," NAJA President Bryan Pollard said, "Jenni is an accomplished journalist and consummate professional who was covering a story on behalf of Indian Country Today. Unfortunately, this arrest is not unprecedented, and Morton County officials must review their officer training and department policies to ensure that officers are able and empowered to distinguish between protesters and journalists who are in pursuit of truthful reporting."

Yet in North Dakota you would not know this arrest happened. The press is silent.

I have heard from many, many individual journalists. That's fantastic. But what about the institutions of journalism? There should news stories in print, digital and broadcast. There should be editorials calling out North Dakota for this egregious act. If the institutions let this moment pass, every journalist covering a protest across the country will be at risk of arrest.

After her release from jail, Monet wrote for Indian Country Media Network:

"When Democracy Now!'s Amy Goodman was charged with the same allegations I now facecriminal trespassing and riotingher message to the world embraced the First Amendment. 'There's a reason why journalism is explicitly protected by the U.S. Constitution,' she said before a crowd gathered in front of the Morton County courthouse. "Because we're supposed to be the check and balance on power."

The funny thing is that journalism institutions were not quick to embrace Goodman either. I have talked to many journalists who see her as an "other" because she practices a different kind of journalism than they do.

Monet's brand of journalism is rooted in facts and good reporting. She talks to everyone on all sides of the story, including the Morton County Sheriff and North Dakota's new governor. She also has street cred and knows how to tell a story. Just listen to her podcast and you will know that to be true.

So if we ever need journalism institutions to rally, it's now. It's not Jenni Monet who will be on trial. It's the First Amendment. Journalism is not a crime.

Mark Trahant is the Charles R. Johnson Endowed Professor of Journalism at the University of North Dakota and a member of The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes. He writes a regular column at YES!, where he is a contributing editor. Reposted with permission from our media associate YES! Magazine.

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First Amendment Under Siege as Another Journalist Arrested at Standing Rock - EcoWatch