Political Quotes

“the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution were ratified on December 15, 1791, forming what we refer to as the Bill of Rights. The first amendment covers what we have come to consider the most primary and essential element of our freedom as Americans: ``Congress shall make no law * * * abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press.'' Thomas Jefferson once wrote that if it were left up to him to decide between a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, he would not hesitate to choose the latter. This year, we celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Alabama Press Association [APA]. Founded in 1871, the APA is the oldest statewide trade association in Alabama and one of the oldest State newspaper associations in the Nation. According to APA information, William Wallace Screws, the editor of the Montgomery Advertiser in 1871, took the initiative and invited newspaper executives from around the State to help build new communication links among themselves.”