I don't think most people think of "freedom of the press" in terms of what our forefathers had in mind: That such freedom was necessary in our type of government; a check, if you will, on ALL the branches. A democracy without true freedom of the press, is no democracy at all. Yes, it may hurt in individual cases, just as when a bad guy 'gets off' on a technicality. But both are small prices to pay to ensure a government that remains answerable to the people.

Journalism in the United States would be reduced to the levels of other not so democratic countries if journalists were forced to spit out who their Deep Throats were. A journalist should be like an attorney, well...I take that back. It is too bad real journalism is expensive, and reporting is more cost effective. Without journalists, we are reduced to posting on blog sites and giving strangers our opinion. Yes, I know.

This is good or/and bad, if it is a case of murder, rape or anything that is state or city related the journalists should give up the people that gave the information that the others don't have; however the journalists and confidential sources could be in danger when it comes to anything that is group related(gangs) or crimes that are delt with high power society. Journalists should be able to give up names; but the detectives and the rest of the media should be quiet. As we know that doesn't happen.

kuznacic: Yes, the editorial provides some details about the Walworth County/UW-Whitewater link. You won't be able to read the editorial on our Web site, however. As I've mentioned repeatedly, we don't post our editorials on this site in an effort to maintain paid customers to our print product. So pick up a copy of the Gazette at a newsstand today.

Also, check out my blog later today for another local tidbit from the fascinating book, "Rads."

Greg Peck

Not the same thing here, Phil.

I had to show my work in math class so you have to name your sources for full credit.

Ah, yes, an all but forgotten sidebar to the Sterling Hall bombing.
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In February 1970, there was an arson of Main Hall at Whitewater State University (before the UW System, it was a state teachers' college). Mark Knops was the editor of an underground newspaper that published letters allegedly received from the bomb gang. A Walworth grant jury investigated the arson, but Knops refused to testify. After the Madison bombing in August that killed Robert Fassnacht, a graduate student researcher at the Army Mathematics Research Center, the grand jury reconvened. They granted Knops immunity but he still pleaded the Fifth Amendment right to remain silent, after which he was put in jail for contempt of court. An appeals judge released Knops after four months in jail, saying that journalists had a constitutional right to protect their sources. No connection between Knops and the bombers was ever proven.

http://www.wisfoic.org/index.php?option=...

Greg-
I've never heard of the UWW/Walworth County case before -- will the editorial provide details?