Letter to the Editor: Freedom of press protects our democracy – The Times

FridayMay29,2020at12:44AM

I consider it a shame that some of the letters you print are for the sole purpose of gratifying the ego of the letter writer so he can see his name in print rather than to add any knowledge to our collective consciousness. It is ironic that a letter writer from Freedom is calling on you to censor your op-ed page because he can't accept any opinion that differs from his own. How small-minded and ignorant is that?

It is too bad that he doesn't read the other columns you print, rather than just looking for his own name. He should have noted Diane Nine's excellent article about the former White House press reporter Helen Thomas. She was someone who understood the necessary function of a "free press." Like Ms. Thomas, I agree that the freedom of the press" should be part of the First Amendment, because of how important it is to protect our democracy.

Trump and his faithful minions hate the free press, and label every question and criticism as fake news. That is the first step on the road to fascism, and a free press exposing all of their lies is what protects our way of life as a representative democracy. Although lately, I see little in the way of representation when Republicans are too scared of offending Trump to actually represent their constituency and do what will benefit them.

And how much of a democracy is left, when those in power have the money to tell lies, run negative ads, enforce voter suppression and buy their way into another term. It is another delusion to think Trump will be elected unanimously most of the people in this country aren't that simple-minded. At least I hope not. I think the press should do a better job of "comforting the afflicted, and afflicting the comfortable." They have a thankless job. More censorship is not necessary unless you actually favor fascism over democracy.

Thomas M. Finch, Aliquippa

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Letter to the Editor: Freedom of press protects our democracy - The Times