Supporting a Free and Open Press in the United States
Adopted at the in 2019
WHEREAS, said freedom of the press is recognized as an integral part of the democratic foundations of the United States and democratic nations across the world; and
WHEREAS, the freedom of the press is an integral part of ensuring the integrity of our nation's electoral process, unbiased crafting of legislation and regulations, and fair governance that is non-corrupt, strong and effective; and
WHEREAS, the free press plays a crucial role in ensuring that the American people's political choices are informed and free from dominations by one source including the military, foreign governments, economic leaders or other powerful groups; and
WHEREAS, non-democratic governments, often condemned by the United States of America throughout history, have worked to undermine, suppress and control the press to elevate their policy positions and advance their viewpoints; and
WHEREAS, the United States Supreme Court also affirmed the history and intent of the freedom of the press in New York Times Co. v. United States, 403 U.S. 713 (1971), stating, €˜"In the First Amendment, the Founding Fathers gave the free press the protection it must have to fulfill its essential role in our democracy. The press was to serve the governed, not the governors. The Government's power to censor the press was abolished so that the press would remain forever free to censure the Government. The press was protected so that it could bare the secrets of government and inform the people. Only a free and unrestrained press can effectively expose deception in government."
€‹€‹€‹€‹€‹€‹ NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors support the free press and affirms the vital role it serves in oversight at all levels of government,
BE IT ALSO RESOLVED, that the Mayors of The United States Conference of Mayors condemn the attacks on the institutions of the free press and any efforts to undermine the credibility of unbiased agents of the press.