Free-Press Philosophy" & 9.11 Attack

The essay is to discuss the relationship between the American Media and the US Government since 9.11 Attack in the view of "Free-Press Philosophy". "Free-Press Philosophy" means the right of the press to report, to comment on, and to criticize its own government without retaliation or threat of retaliation from that authority. The 1971 Pentagon Papers case, the Vietnam War is the landmark cases of the "Free-Press Philosophy" in the American Media.However, after the 9.11 Attack, the American Media held the identical views with the U.S. government. "Free-Press Philosophy" faces great challenges. The American journalists has been trying to sort out what it means to be loyal to one's country at the same time one is being a journalist.All in all, the "Free-Press" Philosophy of the American Media has always been giving way to the national interests of the United States. At that time when the media don't think the government action was correct and will do good to the national interests, the media will critic and against the government. And when the government's action is conducive to the national interests, especially in the time of crisis, the media will hold the same voice with the government. But, this doesn't mean that the "Free-Press Philosophy" will always be the tongue of the American Government. The government is not equal to the national interests. The American Press is still trying to find the way to play its role as the watchdog of the government. So, it is a difficult task for the American media to balance its roles.