EUGENE VOLOKH REPORTS that although a recent Freedom Forum poll shows support for press freedom declining, it shows support for another constitutional right growing:

LIBERAL GROUP FINDS THAT 79% OF AMERICANS BELIEVE “THE RIGHT TO OWN FIREARMS” IS “ESSENTIAL” (48%) OR “IMPORTANT” (31%). Yup, that’s what the Freedom Forum First Amendment Center’s State of the First Amendment 2002 survey (1012 respondents) finds. What’s the more, the number is up from 64% in 1997 (33% essential, 31% important) to 79% in 2002 (48% essential, 31% important).

What’s interesting, reports Volokh, is that although there were lots of press reports involving this survey, not one mentioned the increased support for the right to own firearms. Go figure.

I’ve been saying for a while that there’s a sea change in attitudes underway. Here’s more evidence.