First Amendment talk was inspiring

I enjoyed the First Amendment presentation given today by Ken Paulson from USA Today and First Amendment Center.  I really liked some of his quotes, like "When we're frightened, we're frightened of freedom."  He also had some good things to say about prior review, saying, "I wish I could turn back the clock."  He said that for him, having to make the decision about what to run and not to run was essential to his newspaper experience.  He feels that Hazelwood cheats this generation of young people.  Another cool quote was "Young people who don't have an opportunity to practice first amendment rights don't enter the industry with the same robust enthusiasm."  This whole time with him was extremely interesting.  I liked the quiz he gave us, too!

This textbook explanation of the First Amendment illustrates why we need to educate our kids better about what it is.

Laurie Bender

Kamiakin High School

Kennewick, Wash.