Show i I This Is Your Paper Censorship Is Dangerous t By y William R. R Nelson C CENSORSHIP is Js an action Americans Americans Americans Ameri Ameri- cans resist so aggressively it has not even been Imposed by lawin law lawin lawin in time of war Whenever some misguided mis mis- misguided guided attempt Is mado made whether against press movies or radio it itIs itis itis is quickly squelched by aroused public opinion Yet there are other attempts which fail only because of the knowledge tact or courage of ot ofa ota a home town newspaper editor Every newspaper has frequently to resist minor efforts at censor censor- ship They are resisted because cause editors editors editors edi edi- tors know that a minor success today today to to- to day can become a major one to to- morrow St Stra rag gely e I y Danger enough v very e r y Is few who par- par Inherent in these these- minor in Instances instances In in- stances fully realize what they are ar doing Having the best of ot intentions they fail tail to see the danger inherent in their actions Whenever a request Is made that a newspaper omit facts concerning concerning concerning con con- a public matter censorship censorship censorship censor censor- ship is being attempted Even a spat between neighbors becomes a matter in wh which ch the th public is entitled to the facts if the th services of police or a court are required Police and courts belong to the public which authorizes and pays for them and how their services services services ices are employed is of ot concern to the public There are instances of 01 course where private rights outweigh those of the public and the editor edito is justified in suppressing such news There are other instances also where good taste may dictate that an item be omitted But whatever the fine points involved it Is the editors editor's judgement which should prevail Newspaper News pap paper e r Honesty editors do not notor notor notor or resent honestly Coercion In intended ten d e d requests requests re requests re- re quests to overlook overlook overlook over over- look incidents where there is doubt that the public interest outweighs the private rights They do resent them if accompanied by coercion in wha whatever form The editor is expert in such matters matters matters mat mat- as public right to news He is the best judge of whether or not public interests outweigh those of or individuals or organizations in in- in His judgment should be ac accepted accepted accepted ac- ac without resentment Censorship Censorship Censorship Censor Censor- ship is a dangerous force too dangerous dangerous dangerous dan dan- to set in motion no matter matter matter mat mat- ter how innocently it may be em em- |