“America’s founders believed that a free press was
essential to democracy because it is the foundation of an informed, engaged
citizenry. . . .”
“In demonizing the free press as the enemy, simply
for performing its role of asking difficult questions and bringing
uncomfortable information to light, President Trump is retreating from a distinctly
American principle. . . .”
“[T]he phrase ‘enemy of the people’ is not just
false, it’s dangerous. It has an ugly history of being wielded by dictators and
tyrants who sought to control public information. And it is particularly
reckless coming from someone whose office gives him broad powers to fight or
imprison the nation’s enemies.
“As I have repeatedly told President Trump face
to face, there are mounting signs that this incendiary rhetoric is encouraging
threats and violence against journalists at home and abroad.”
—A.G. Sulzberger, New York Times
publisher, “New York Times Publisher A.G. Sulzberger responded to
President Trump’s continued attacks on a free press,” New York
Times, Feb. 20, 2019.
• Editorial Comment: Hear hear.
Ted Pease, Professor of Interesting Stuff, Trinidad, California. (Be)Friend The WORD
“I
don’t think writers are sacred, but words are. They deserve respect. If
you get the right ones, in the right order, you can nudge the world a
little.” —Tom Stoppard
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