Chris Dodd: “two days ago the U.S. Supreme Court refused to consider overturning contempt citations against two journalists, Judith…”

“two days ago the U.S. Supreme Court refused to consider overturning contempt citations against two journalists, Judith Miller and Matthew Cooper. This decision by the Court effectively paves the way for these two reporters to be sent, possibly, to jail. Yesterday the District of Columbia Circuit Court upheld the convictions of four additional journalists for contempt. They may appeal to the Supreme Court, but they are justifiably concerned that the Supreme Court will decline to consider their case, just as the Court declined to consider the Miller and Cooper cases the other day. What did those journalists do to deserve criminal contempt convictions? Nothing more than their jobs, in my view. That is, they did nothing more than refuse to reveal to law enforcement officials the identity of sources to whom they had pledged confidentiality. Thomas Jefferson once said that were he to have to choose between a free country and a free press, he would select the latter. He understood--as did the other Founding Fathers--that nothing was more important to a free people than the free flow of information. An informed citizenry is the first requirement of a free, self-governing people. Armed with knowledge, our people can govern themselves and hold accountable their elected leaders and other high public and private officials. Today, that principle of a well-informed electorate holding their leaders accountable is at risk.…”