From: Gary Hunt at the Outpost of Freedom in Waco, Texas
Date:
APRIL 11, 1993

"Civil liberty, in all countries, hath been promoted by a free discussion of publick measures, and the conduct of publick men. The FREEDOM OF THE PRESS hath, in consequence thereof, been esteemed one of its safe guards. That freedom gives the right, at all times, to every citizen to lay his sentiments, in a decent manner, before the people. If will take the trouble upon himself, whether they are in point or not, his countrymen are obliged to him for so doing: for, at least, they lead to an examination of the subject upon which he writes."

"John DeWitt", Essay III, November 5, 1787

I had come to Waco representing my newspaper, "Outpost of Freedom." Shortly afterward, I had become a part of the story that was unfolding here. Later I was refused admittance to the daily press conferences by special agents Randy Parsons and Carlos Hernandez, alleging that I was not "legitimate press." Since that time, I have been denied access to the conferences, which makes the task of reporting what is going on here in Waco a little more difficult.

I am now, along with my own newspaper, reporting for "The Hour of the Time" under the authority of Citizens Agency Joint Intelligence (CAJI). The CAJI newsletter is read by 48,000 and "The Hour of the Time" is heard by over 10 million worldwide. I am also published daily by "American Patriot Fax Network" to thousands. Perhaps I might be considered legitimate, now.

Some might question the fact that I have become a part of the story that I am reporting. I have yet to find any authority which might deny a member of the press those same rights enjoyed by any citizen of this country. In fact, if we look back through our history, we will find that many who have reported, or written the news have also been a significant part of what they wrote. To name just a few, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton and. James Monroe. Just think of the loss to this great nation if this right could be denied.

Tomorrow morning, Monday April 12, 1993, I will again attend the morning press conference at the convention center in Waco. I will be accompanied by other members of the press, and will have in my possession credentials from the media identified above. For the sake of my readers and listeners, I will begin attending the conferences on a daily bases. The fact that I may not be reporting the events of the conference as the BATF and the FBI might prefer is of no consequence to either they, or I. It is of consequence only to those to whom I report the news.

The suppression of those who might not use the words dictated by the federal agencies is a very serious consequence to the freedoms these same agencies profess to protect.

For the sake of appearance of some semblance of sanity in the continuing saga of the Siege at Waco, I hope, sincerely, that the FBI and the City of Waco will be tolerant of press that reports a truth different than what they might prefer.


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