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Show Page HILL TOP TIMES 6 ' WhvB tifo IFircBcB 311f2 o o 9 By Philip R. Smith 1 o December 9, 1977 Bill of Rights Day, observed on Dec. by Presidential Proclamation since 1962, marks the ratification of the first 10 Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, in force since Dec. 15, 1791. Known as the American Bill of Rights, these amendments provide the foundation for many of the democratic liberties guaranteed to U.S. citizens. 15 Freedom of the press, contained in the First Amendment, was of paramount importance to many of the early lawmakers. During the Congressional debates of 1789, Thomas Jefferson pointed out that "The basis of our government 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 government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter." But freedom of the press proved to be a mixed blessing. A few years later Jefferson wrote of President George Washington, who was vilified by many newspapers: "He is extremely affected by the attacks made and kept upon him in the public papers. I think he feels these things more than any person I ever yet met with." The ideas or ideals expressed in those first amendments to the Constitution have evolved over the centuries. The roots of the First Amendment go back to Anglo-Saxo-n tribal and village society, and subsequently flourished in the writing and thinking of many English scholars. Perhaps the most famous exponent of freedom of the press was John Milton who in 1644 WTote "Areopagitica, a Speech of Mr. John Milton for the Liberty of Unlicensed Printing, to the Parliament of England." In arguing his stand, Milton said, "Who ever knew Truth to be put to flight in a free and open encounter? " xi trial dealing with freedom of the press in early American judicial history was that of John Zenger on Aug. 4, 1735. An A obscure printer, he was barely able to make ends meet. His newspaper was used by the foes of arbitrary government to protest an action of the English colonial governor. Zenger was defended by Andrew Hamilton, a friend of Benjamin Franklin. As Hamilton put the issue, "It (the question) is not the cause of a poor printer, nor of New York alone, which you are trying. No! It may, in its consequences, affect every freeman that lives under the British government on the main of America. It is the best cause; it is the cause of liberty." The jury found Zenger not guilty, a victory which gave courage to other editors, writers, and printers. Although Zenger's victory did not lead to immediate d freedom of the press in America, many in the colonies gave uncompromising newspaper editors support to the cause of liberty, despite the consequences. Isaiah Thomas, the editor of the Massachusetts Spy, was hounded out of Boston in the years prior to the Revolution for his stand on freedom. But true to his convictions, he later set up an underground newspaper in Worcester, Mass. English-governe- Following the American Revolution came true freedom of the press, reinforced by the First Amendment to the Constitution. The press of the United States is not without fault; no institution is. But it continues to be of vital importance to the freedoms we enjoy today. As Thomas Jefferson expressed it, "Where the press is free, and every man able to read, all is safe." (AFPS) Prayer Day Is Christmas special at your house? Proclaimed By What was the most unusual holiday? President i LL Cll a the some all into make HILL TOP TIMES is looking for inputs from jeep family jumps season Christmas every and plows as far into the Christmas presents themselves. Share these both and civilian military personnel on woods as possible, there experiences with us. an decorate unusual Christmas to with customs for its final evergreen popcorn All articles submitted and bread of to be edition the year, garlands stars for hungry little should be legible, published Dec. 23. birds). preferably typewritten; include name (and rank of the Examples if applicable), job title, articles of interest Some a families bake unit and telephone1 would be a Christmas or Yule a in Log special extension. Deadline for you spent foreign land (such as Germany breakfast bread. . . . this feature is close of with the advent wreath some spend all year business, Dec. 16. and the Twelfth Night preparing for an exAny questions may be carolers), or perhaps a terior display. . . . some referred to Ext. 7321 or tradition in your own visit the poor or shut-in- s family (my daughter's with special gifts. . . . 7322. National Day of Prayer will be observed by Presidential Proclamation on Dec. 15, 1977. derstand our responsibilities and discharge them in a manner that befits a just and Ifflil PDETDDOEn In issuing the proclamation, President Jimmy Carter noted that "throughout our Nation's history, Americans of all faiths have turned to Divine Providence for the strength and wisdom to meet whatever challenges were put before them with honor and dignity." He asked for all to join him on National Day of Prayer "in asking God's help that we may see and un- Tip Setting aside a special President Carter said it is fitting for Americans to set aside a day for prayer and meditation, a time "to ask the Almighty for the vision to see our duty as individuals and as a Nation, and for the courage to pursue it even at the cost of or collective personal sacrifice." prayer day was established by a joint resolution of Congress on April 17, 1952. That resolution asks the President to set aside a suitable day each year as a National Day of Prayer for the country. This special day can be any day of the year except Sunday. Until 1975, it was observed in good people." (AFPS) World Marks Human Rights Day By Philip R. Smith Human Rights Day, observed by Presidential Proclamation in the United States on Dec. 10, is also observed by many other nations. The day marks the anniversary of the United Nations' adoption of the "Universal Declaration of Human Rights' in 1948. That declaration sets forth basic rights and fundamental freedoms to which all people in the world are entitled. In his autobiography, Why Not the Best, President Jimmy Carter has a chapter dealing with human rights entitled "The Person in Front of You." He explains that cryptic title by saying that human rights begin with the person in front of you in line at the deli at lunchtime, in the unemployment office, in the outpatient clinic at the hospital, or at the theater in the evening. He says earlier in opening the chapter of his book, "We have a tendency to exalt ourselves and to dwell on the weaknesses and mistakes of others. I have come to realize that in every person there is something fine and pure and noble, along with a desire for Political and religious leaders must attempt to provide a society within which these human attributes can be nurtured and enhanced." self-fulfillme- There is more to human rights than just political and idealogical freedom. President Carter pointed out recently before the United Nations that the United States would provide $7.5 billion in foreign assistance in the coming year as this Nation's share in promoting global economic development, thus helping to raise the living standard for others around the world. The battle for human rights has been waged on many fronts. Who cannot but be stirred by the paintings of Francisco Goya as he depicted Spain's battle to free itself from the heels of an oppressing government? Who cannot hear the stirrings of the human spirit in such music as Ludvig Von Beethoven's Egmont or Fidelio, or in Jan Sibelius's tone poem Finlandia? And who cannot be inspired by medical researchers such as Madame Curie and Louis Pasteur, who have helped assure a world with greater freedom from the tyranny of disease. Everything advertised in this publication must be made available for purchase use or patronage wihhout regard to the race, creed, color, national origin or sex of the purchaser, user, or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this policy of equal opportunities by an advertiser will It has not been easy. The English nobles in 1215 put their lives on the line before King John put his signature on the Magna Carta, thereby guaranteeing certain civil and political liberties to English men of that day. In 1776, John Hancock wrote his signature with a grand flourish on the Declaration of Independence, knowing that if the American Revolution were not successful, he and the other signers would be tried and hanged for treason. Although much of the world lives under an other than democratic form of government, it is important for the United States and all nations to fight against hunger, disease and unrelenting poverty. History has proved that democracy and the quest for human freedom make much larger gains when these basic everyday problems have been solved. As the astronauts pointed out when looking back toward Earth, we are all, regardless of the form of government, passengers on a tiny space ship in a giant universe. (AFPS) result in the refusal to print advertising from that source, MorMedia Sales, Inc., Telephone Ogden 34-5- 5; 4650. Sorry classifieds by mail only: P.O. Box 186, Layton, 376-506- 5; Kaysville, Utah 84037. or Salt Lake City, 277- - |