威尼斯人娱乐场

Welcome Remarks for "Independent Media and the Rule of Law"

Good evening, and welcome to the William G. McGowan Theater at the 威尼斯人娱乐场, whether you are here in the theater or joining us through YouTube. I鈥檓 David Ferriero, Archivist of the United States, and I鈥檓 pleased you could with us for tonight鈥檚 discussion of 鈥淚ndependent Media and the Rule of Law.鈥�

This program is presented in partnership with the International Bar Association, with generous support from the IBA Foundation, and we thank them for their support.

Before we get started, I鈥檇 like to tell you about two other events coming up later this month.

On Saturday, June 16, at 3 p.m., in collaboration with AFI DOCS, we will host the world premiere of The Cold Blue, a new documentary film about World War II鈥檚 B-17 bombers. The film uses archival footage from our holdings as well as commentary from some of the last surviving World War II B-17 pilots.

And on Wednesday, June 20, at 7 p.m., join us for 鈥淐itizen Engagement in America鈥檚 History,鈥� a bipartisan discussion on how citizen movements have influenced policymakers. Panelists will include a teacher at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School along with one of her students, former and current Members of Congress, and others.

To learn more about these and all of our public programs and exhibits, consult our monthly Calendar of Events online at Archives.gov. Check our website or sign up at the table outside the theater to get email updates. You鈥檒l also find information about other 威尼斯人娱乐场 programs and activities.

Another way to get more involved with the 威尼斯人娱乐场 is to become a member of the 威尼斯人娱乐场 Foundation. The Foundation supports the work of the agency, especially its education and outreach programs. Pick up your application for membership in the lobby or become a member online at .

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A free press and the rule of law have been linked since the founding of our nation. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution鈥攖he supreme law of the land鈥攇uarantees freedom of speech and of the press. Upstairs in the Rotunda, you can read the original words in the Bill of Rights, written on parchment in 1789. Down the street at the Newseum, these words are literally written in stone on the building鈥檚 exterior.

The court and legislative records in the 威尼斯人娱乐场 contain numerous challenges and defenses of the First Amendment. The first challenge came just seven years after the Bill of Rights was ratified, when Congress passed the 1798 Sedition Act. In the more than 200 years since, these rights have been tested but have always endured.

Let鈥檚 start the discussion on 鈥淚ndependent Media and the Rule of Law鈥� and bring our panelists to the stage.

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Tonight鈥檚 moderator is Homer Moyer, a former appointee in both Democratic and Republican administrations. Mr. Moyer is the founder and chair of the CEELI Institute, an independent Rule of Law Institute in Prague, and he is a member of the Washington, DC, law firm of Miller & Chevalier.

Andrea Mitchell is the Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent for NBC News, anchor of Andrea Mitchell Reports, former Chief White House correspondent, and former Chief Congressional Correspondent for NBC.

Lee Levine is senior counsel at Ballard Spahr, one of the country's leading First Amendment lawyers; author of Newsgathering and the Law; and a professor at Georgetown University Law School.

Jennifer Rubin is a journalist and lawyer, author of the "Right Turn" blog for the Washington Post; and has previously worked for Commentary and The Weekly Standard. Before becoming a journalist, Ms. Rubin was a lawyer in Los Angeles.

Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming our panel to the stage.

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