The earliest record of censorship dates back to 399 BC when Socrates defied the Greek state to censor his teachings. Subsequently, he was sentenced to death by drinking a poison. History is filled with examples of censorship from then until now. Ten years before our country was born Sweden became the first nation in 1766 to abolish censorship by law.
Discrimination has been recorded almost since the written word. If someone were different by virtue of their race, religion or beliefs history records a myriad of events. Many founded in religious differences or gender equality. Probably the first example affected women. In ancient times women were counted only as mere tool or servant.
The rational for censorship may be different for the various types of information censored. They may fall into the categories of: moral, military, political, religious and corporate. One description of political censorship is for it to occur when governments hold back information from their citizens.This is often done to exert control over the populace. The most memorable in modern times was the persecution of Jews under Hitler's regime. But religious censorship can also include the time when armies of Christians from western Europe answered Pope Urban's call to go to war against Muslim forces.
Transparency has always been a hallmark of America's democracy. We elected our officials to represent us and they work for us. We pay their salaries through our taxes and we must demand openness and fairness in their governing. The obvious exception being that of national security.
Reading today's headlines reporting what President Trump has done regarding a media blackout of various government agencies and his idea of closing our borders based on one's country of origin and religion are contrary to what made America great. Perhaps the Washington Post and New York Times banner headline should read: "You are President not King!"
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