QUESTION: Considering that freedom of speech is a duty in the development of institutional order and the democratic practice in Latin America, what will be an official U.S. call if our government, the Venezuelan Government, shut down permanently an independent media and it continues to chase journalists, both legally and by official rhetoric?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, let me say that for the United States, freedom of speech, freedom of expression, freedom of the press is a fundamental value. Now, I have been in politics for a very long time, and I probably have been subjected to as much press criticism as anyone you can find. And yet, I know that this is an important part of our democracy. When you’re in politics sometimes and you think you’re trying to do what is right for the people who you represent, it is easy to look at anyone who criticizes you as being out of bounds and that they have no right to do that.
But you cannot let the political concerns of any party or candidate or elected official undermine the freedom of expression. Because at the end of the process, whoever is elected and whoever is in office needs constructive criticism. Otherwise you are – it’s like you’re talking to yourself: Am I doing a good job? Oh, yes, you’re doing a good job. (Laughter.)
QUESTION: Right.
SECRETARY CLINTON: That’s not a way to run a democracy. So we are very supportive of the freedom of speech, press, the media, individuals, political parties. And I do think that in your country, like other countries, there has to be protection for the press against political opposition. (see full text)
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, let me say that for the United States, freedom of speech, freedom of expression, freedom of the press is a fundamental value. Now, I have been in politics for a very long time, and I probably have been subjected to as much press criticism as anyone you can find. And yet, I know that this is an important part of our democracy. When you’re in politics sometimes and you think you’re trying to do what is right for the people who you represent, it is easy to look at anyone who criticizes you as being out of bounds and that they have no right to do that.
But you cannot let the political concerns of any party or candidate or elected official undermine the freedom of expression. Because at the end of the process, whoever is elected and whoever is in office needs constructive criticism. Otherwise you are – it’s like you’re talking to yourself: Am I doing a good job? Oh, yes, you’re doing a good job. (Laughter.)
QUESTION: Right.
SECRETARY CLINTON: That’s not a way to run a democracy. So we are very supportive of the freedom of speech, press, the media, individuals, political parties. And I do think that in your country, like other countries, there has to be protection for the press against political opposition. (see full text)
No comments:
Post a Comment