In response to recent attacks on journalists and media representatives in the midst of an administration seemingly dedicated to their demise, it has become necessary to remind ourselves of the importance of a free functioning press in a healthy democracy.
Steve Bannon sent shock waves of concern when recently declaring the media as 'an enemy of the people' in what was eerily reminiscent of Stalin's label of anyone opposing his autocratic rule as 'enemies of the State'. This echo of past dictatorships was later underscored by press secretary Sean Spicer's declaration that he would be barring certain members of the press (noteably, CNN and NY Times) from attending regular White House briefing sessions. This was followed by the president himself decrying the existence of leaks and calling for journalists to reveal the identities of their sources. This statement suggest either an ignorance of or outright disregard for one of the core principles of any democracy: the unfettered exercise of free expression and the protection of sources. Since the days of three pointed hats and midnight rides, the life blood of good journalism as been the reliance on information from the interior of government (leaks) and the anonymity of news sources. If it were otherwise, originators of stories would disappear for fear of reprisal, persecution, and/or prosecution from a government set in opposition to the exposure of truthful testimony for the benefit of an informed public. In its wake, the only news source then available would be the official governmental version of events...a state of affairs more closely associated with totalitarian regimes. As Steve Bannon seems to envision and perhaps even welcome, the healthy functioning democracy ceases to exist the moment when the press becomes 'the enemy'.
Some suggested that Spicer's prohibition of selected members of the media was no different than the Obama administration's attempt to bar Fox News from access to the briefing room. In large part, this was actually true in spite of the fact that Fox was guilty of airing verifiably untrue stories (Obama's origin of birth, his Muslim religious affiliation, etc) whereas CNN and The NY Times had published verifiably true stories (albeit unpopular with DJT) regarding the nature and margin of Trump's victory over HRC, the size of the inauguration crowd, etc. In either case, however, networks and press affiliates have a constitutional right to be in attendance in the People's House for the purpose of baring witness to those in the seat of power who are, at the end of the day, beholden to the will of the national constituency. It is the duty and responsibly of these journalists to inform the public and hold elected leaders accountable and, in so doing, act as a check against the abuses of power to which the frail human spirit is most susceptible. This is the fundamental identity of the Fourth Estate is equally vital to the success of the nation as are the other three official branches of government.
The Bannon/Trump/ Spicer cadre will be well advised to rethink their recent invectives directed to the very institution which is central to their political viability and, more importantly, essential to the survival of our country as a democratic entity.
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