The full 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals voted 13-1 Tuesday to reject reporter James Risen's petition for a rehearing and will not reconsider a decision compelling him to identify a source who disclosed details of a secret CIA operation.
The appeals court's majority did not give any reason for denying Risen's petition. But Judge Roger Gregory, who voted for the rehearing, wrote that the case was "one of exceptional importance" dealing with a fundamental First Amendment question that has not been directly addressed by the Supreme Court or other federal appeals courts. Gregory wrote in his dissent: "An independent press is as indispensable to liberty as is an independent judiciary," he wrote. "For public opinion to serve as a meaningful check on governmental power, the press must be free to report to the people the government's use (or misuse) of that power."
At least ONE judge respects his oath to the constitution and the 1st Amendment! Unfortunately, 13 others did not and should be removed for an egregious violation of our constitution and Risen's 1st Amendment right!
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