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Public Information and the Preservation of Democracy

Author

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  • Stedman, Alfred D.

Abstract

The author of this article is a seasoned newspaperman who had charge of information for the Agricultural Adjustment Administration throughout the most difficult period of the farm crisis. He then "graduated" into newspaper work again. Thus, he deals with agricultural information services as both an insider and an outsider. In this article he draws a distinction between "promotional campaigns" connected with a specific action program and the publication of other information, scientific and factual. Conceding that the promotional campaigns are necessary, he argues that special care must be taken to keep them democratic; and he outlines certain safeguards so that they will not be even remotely suggestive of the methods of dictatorship. The objective of these safeguards is to prevent any stifling of opposing ideas; for "competition of ideas is the life of democracy." The bedrock foundations of the Department of Agriculture are democratic freedom of inquiry, freedom of thought, and freedom of education.

Suggested Citation

  • Stedman, Alfred D., 1940. "Public Information and the Preservation of Democracy," USDA Miscellaneous 388990, United States Department of Agriculture.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:usdami:388990
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.388990
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