The Progressive Era

    

            The Progressive Era consisted of of social activism and attempts for political reform nationwide. Most progressives also happened to be antiwar activists, as the era was introduced from the destruction and mass spending from World War I - most progressives sought to defeat inefficiency, overspending, monopolies, and destruction. With a want for change comes the opportunity (and the right) to protest and petition. As we have talked about in this course, the government should be working for the people as a whole, therefore, the right to petition has a very significant role in the way a democracy works. However, in this age of progression from 1896 to 1917, many were jailed, blackballed in the journalism industry, and extremely persecuted for their own opinions and views. Views of America as a country that provides the right of "free speech" was severely tainted during this era. 

    Today, the USA is involved globally with military operations. Getting involved with wars, forming alliances, and trading weapons with other countries is extremely common regarding America's military tactics. Though many still have issues with these tactics today, their voices are not being heard in the mainstream media. When exploring websites such as Antiwar and The America Conservative, there are countless articles regarding war and the domestic economy, and new U.S. bases being announced in foreign (and war-driven), countries. These articles explain the negative effects that war has on our country as a whole - financially, socially, and economically - but they seem to receive minimal attention from the "big" press. 

It seems almost as if the role of the first amendment protecting dissent is still not fully covered in today's climate. Though the consequences for speaking out against war (usually) will not get a person thrown into jail, the usage of government agencies and technology to block certain sites from getting their full exposure seems off. It is interesting what stories get shown and what stories are hidden under layers of potential unconscious bias that is in direct conflict with the first amendment.