I believe bloggers are journalists in every sense of the word

The courts in California do not seem inclined to treat regular citizens that publish news and information in blogs as well as they treat journalists. I find this extremely disappointing since publishing by individuals is how journalism really got its start. Publishing has been around for thousands of years and for most of that time it has involved regular folks as much as it has involved governments or businesses or "news" organizations. Consider how Benjamin Franklin got started:

Benjamin wanted to write for the paper too, but he knew that James would never let him. After all, Benjamin was just a lowly apprentice. So Ben began writing letters at night and signing them with the name of a fictional widow, Silence Dogood. Dogood was filled with advice and very critical of the world around her, particularly concerning the issue of how women were treated. Ben would sneak the letters under the print shop door at night so no one knew who was writing the pieces. They were a smash hit, and everyone wanted to know who was the real "Silence Dogood."

Seems to me that Ben has several traits in common with bloggers of today. He was an individual who wanted to make his thoughts, opinions, and research public without fear of retribution. This describes most bloggers as well so it really confuses me why California courts might think the constitution and the law only protects "journalists".