Quote by Thomas Jefferson

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 wthout government, I should not hesita

The basis of our government being the opinion of the people,

Summary

This quote, attributed to Thomas Jefferson, emphasizes the importance of a free press in a democratic government. Jefferson argues that the primary objective of a government should be maintaining the right of the people to voice their opinions. Given the choice between a government without newspapers or newspapers without government, he suggests he would not hesitate to prioritize preserving the free press over a government without checks and balances. This quote highlights the crucial role newspapers play in holding those in power accountable, protecting citizens' rights, and ensuring transparency in governance.

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By Thomas Jefferson

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