Slashdot Mirror
Press freedom
GarconDuMonde writes "Reporters San Frontiers has released it's third annual worldwide index of press freedom. Although the majority of top-ranking countries are from northern Europe, it is perhaps more interesting to note where countries such as Switzerland, Italy, the UK and the USA fall (1, 39, 28 and 22, respectively)."
I can tell you how relevant and meaningful this index is to me...(Sounds of whistling, farting, and a turd dropping)
"If the level of civilization is measured by how will it treats the old, sick and poor, then the USA if full of a lot of hot air."
The number of working elderly has actually been going down over the past 40 years. We also have this thing called "Social Security" for them. As for the sick, we've got Medicaid. And for the poor, we have welfare (EITC).
Don't believe the European rhetoric that the US has no help for those in need. Perhaps not as much help as in Western Europe, but this country's culture is one of helping yourself. I know it hurts to do research or find information that conflicts with your world view, but humor us all and try to take the pain.
And the rest of the "civilized world"[1] _DOES NOT_ always have our freedoms. In the UK, the press can be censored. They also have the right to search your home without a warrant. In France, until a few years ago, encryption for non-authentication purposes was totally banned. In Germany, you can't even give free legal advice because the Fuhrer said you couldn't.
Do you see what I'm trying to say? Personally, I find it more disturbing that Europeans[2] are so damn complacent that "oh, our press is unbiased, and we have more rights and freedoms than you" when, in fact, that is not true.
There are sheep everywhere, and Europe is no exception. Not by a long shot.
-Erwos
[1] The same quest for a "civilized world" also lead to the subjugation of untold millions of people in the European colonization days - and still causes them problems to this day.
[2] This is not to imply you're a European - I don't know whether you are or not, this is just a good excuse for a rant.
Plausible conjecture should not be misrepresented as proof positive.
Reporters cover for their own. Ever see a reporter do an investigative report on a fellow reporter? It doesn't happen. They also don't like it one bit that people are doing their own reporting. If you're not an insider, you're unworthy of consideration, a lower human.
Shutting down free speech with violence isn't fighting fascism. It IS fascism!
I love /. because if I get to feeling too good about being an American I can come here and see just how crummy I really am.
My son and hundreds of British and American troops have given their lives trying to "WALK THE WALK" and give Iraq its freedom. You self possessed judges have enjoyed safety and freedom because of men and women like my son! I am glad that he never took the time to read /. and its fine authors