HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 92-4752, by Representatives Prentice, J. Kohl, Ludwig, Leonard, Rust, Braddock, Peery, Franklin, R. Meyers, Ogden, G. Fisher, Nelson, Jacobsen, R. Fisher, Day, H. Myers, Spanel, Basich and Anderson

   WHEREAS, Freedom of speech is the most fundamental right of American citizens; and

   WHEREAS, Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of democracy; and

   WHEREAS, The press has been instrumental in bringing world events into our living rooms, changing forever our relationship with those around us; and

   WHEREAS, It was media focus on our state's proposed bank merger legislation that prompted the New York Stock Exchange to temporarily halt trading of Security Pacific Corporation stock; and

   WHEREAS, In Olympia, we rely on the press to shine a questioning spotlight on our legislative actions, no matter how uncomfortable, unflattering, or unmerciful; and

   WHEREAS, As legislators, it is our duty to answer the questions, and the duty of the press to question our answers; and

   WHEREAS, When sometimes we utter the unprintable, the press still finds a way to print the unutterable; and

   WHEREAS, The need to maintain a free, open, and sometimes painfully candid press in the legislative arena should always take precedence over our desire to hide our wrinkles and be quoted as geniuses; and

   WHEREAS, Many say the press has a responsibility to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable; and

   WHEREAS, Even though the press occasionally gets the facts wrong, our quotes garbled, and our names misspelled;

   NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the State of Washington recognizes the value of a free, open, and forthright press to report our legislative activities, unchecked by government intervention or fears of criticism; and

   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives acknowledges and commends the media for upholding the ideals of democracy and fostering a frank discussion of issues; and

   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives supports and encourages judicious freedom of the press as a solid foundation for our democratic way of life.

         I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

        Resolution 4752 adopted by the House of Representatives

                             March 3, 1992.

                     ________________________________

                       Alan Thompson, Chief Clerk