August 4, 1735

On August 4, 1735, John Peter Zenger was acquitted of seditious libel. The royal governor of New York had brought the charges from an article written by Mr. Zenger in the New York Weekly Journal. His jury stated that “the truth is not libelous” and helped establish the concept of freedom of the press in America. Nothing funny about this, it’s just that sometimes people need to be reminded that our freedoms are based upon real people being harassed and persecuted.

About Joel Byers

Born in North Georgia and educated at some very fine public institutions. Real education started after graduating from college and then getting married and raising two boys. Has the ability to see the funny and absurd in most things and will always remark on it, even if it means getting the stink-eye from his victims.
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