League of Women Voters says thanks
To the editor:
As active and engaged citizens, League of Women Voters of Florida members appreciate every day the critical work that the press does to ensure that citizens are informed about their government, as well as the world around them.
Our Framers’ clearly shared this sentiment: Benjamin Franklin spoke for many when he stated in 1789 that one ought to “leave the liberty of the press untouched, to be exercised in its full extent, force, and vigor.” George Washington echoed those words, indicating that the press was important to “facilitating the circulation of political intelligence and information.” And Thomas Jefferson best stated the Framers’ views on a free press when he declared: “The basis of our governments being the opinion of the people, the very 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.”
As we count our blessings this holiday season, we give thanks for you and your contribution to an informed citizenry and an accountable government. Best wishes.
Deirdre Macnab,
LWVF President