"If we want to keep liberty, it is up to us to make government serve us and never let it become our master." - Robert R. McCormick
As I took in the panels, chatted with fellow attendees, and reveled in the great energy of YearlyKos at McCormick Center, I barely gave a second thought to the person who gave the venue its name: Robert R. McCormick. But some post-convention vacation gave me an opportunity to visit the McCormick-Tribune Freedom Museum, and there I had an opportunity to consider in greater depth the freedoms that are continually threatened and weakened by this administration.
Owner of the Chicago Tribune, McCormick was a strong advocate for freedom of the press and left a lasting legacy of independent journalism. The museum was founded with the purpose of protecting our freedoms of speech and the press by building awareness of these principles in action.
Just a day after the disastrous FISA bill was signed into law, it seemed an appropriate and somewhat ironic time to explore the museum's exhibits. I was reminded that the quest for freedom is a constant struggle. Frustrated as I considered the enormous challenges that remain, I was nonetheless encouraged by the tales of those who faced threats to freedoms and perservered. Stories about Homewood-Flossmoor High School and Kelo v. City of New London reminded me of the complexities of these fundamental concepts when different interests are in competition.
As I viewed a piece of art made from printing type, I again marveled at our own 21st century printing press, the Internet, that gives citizens a tool to disseminate ideas and hold our government accountable. And so it was with a bit of pride and optimism that I noticed the Tribune's own editorial on YearlyKos included in the museum's on-line collection of freedom articles. The editors struck a chord with me in proclaiming "...in 2007, freedom of the press belongs to anyone who owns a laptop." Blogging truly is "Freedom in Action".
In a time when we have museums for dollhouses, soft drinks, and even SPAM, how fitting to have a museum that comemorates and celebrates those freedoms which have made our country great. I can only hope that this place does not become a history museum, one in which future visitors look back on the freedoms we once cherished and enjoyed.