Freedom of the press has declined for the eighth year in a row, according to Freedom House’s annual report. And while the media has focused on the lack of media freedoms in such places as China and Venezuela, they’ve virtually ignored the U.S. position – No. 24 (PDF).

And following in the footsteps of the Bush Administration, the Obama Administration seems intent on making the media less free.

From Crooks & Liars:

In early 2008, the Bush Justice Department subpoenaed New York Times reporter James Risen over his book, State of War: The Secret History of the C.I.A. and the Bush Administration. Now, just two weeks after taking action against an NSA whistle-blower who leaked information about contract corruption to the Baltimore Sun, the Obama DOJ is continue its predecessor’s push to compel Risen to divulge his confidential sources. …

… as the New York Times detailed, despite the Obama administration’s professions of support for a new media-shield law, Attorney General Eric Holder is continuing President Bush’s pursuit of Risen.

For those who believe their freedoms are being taken away, hopefully they’ll soon recognize that a free and competent media is where all freedoms emanate.

–WKW

Crossposted at William K. Wolfrum Chronicles