October 6, 1982
A free press is a cornerstone of our democracy. In the First Amendment to the Constitution, our
Founding Fathers affirmed their belief that competing ideas are fundamental to freedom. We
Americans cherish our freedom of expression and our access to multiple sources of news and
information.
But, as we know, there are other nations where the free flow of news is thwarted by governments
fearful of letting people know the truth. In those countries, where censorship is a means of
containing thought and action, newspapers are controlled by the government, and it follows that
all human freedoms are limited.
The theme of this 1982 observance of National Newspaper Week, ``A Free Press -- Your Key to
Freedom,'' reflects a basic tenet of American life. A free press is, indeed, our key to freedom.
During National Newspaper Week, I join with my fellow Americans in celebrating our free press
and in paying tribute to the responsible men and women of the newspaper industry whose
dedication and commitment to independent and truthful news reporting and analysis are the
foundation of our continued progress as a nation.
Ronald Reagan