"Egypt seizes newspapers to censor an article..."

(Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/02/world/middleeast/egypt-seizes-newspapers-to-censor-an-article.html?ref=world)

According to an article by David Kirkpatrick in the New York Times, Egyptian Authorities removed all copies from one of the largest private newspaper company there. Reason why? To censor a certain article that was printed in it.Of course, this was another example of constriction ever since the military takeover. Not only that but the government has also shut down other main opposing news media and arrested several other journalists. Why? Because the government is scared of people handing out leaflets that would spark a revolution. Sound familiar?  Nevertheless, the security officials offered no explanation whatsoever to the newspaper company about why the censorship was enforced. Now, there is a longstanding Egyptian Law that requires journalists to first get permission of military intelligence before posting any information that relates to spy agencies.

Why did I pick this article among the many out there? It related to our topic we were learning in government, our first amendment.

Our first amendment states that we have the right to the freedom of speech, press and religion. What does that mean? It means we are allowed to say or practice whatever we want, as long as it doesn't harm anyone surrounding us. Of course, this is America we're talking about, not Egypt. But in a way, think about it. As much as we complain about how much we may dislike some of the things about this country, as least we are still allowed a voice in the media. We are allowed to voice our opinions. But now, wait a second. You may say, hey Amy wasn't there one case where a man was charged for advertising to military men against fighting in the Vietnam War? Well the case went all the way up to the supreme court and he lost. Reasoning? He was causing chaos and harm to the public. So do we have a free voice in our country? Its an opinion that is different for everyone. Whatever the argument may be, think about this. Is anything ever free?

(Week 1: 10/3/14)