By Kathleen Olear, Stevensville
Kudos to you for publishing your opinion piece “Support for the Media” on August 15, 2018. While it is a sad statement that this showing of solidarity is even necessary in this country, it is encouraging to know that the press will not be silent despite relentless and unfounded attacks, and will remain vigilant in finding and reporting the truth to our communities. From Boston to the Bitterroot, it is essential that the press continue to pursue and report the truth, and fight to protect the American people’s right to accurate information and the First Amendment rights of all.
It is important to note that most Americans do not believe that the free press is the enemy of the people. Rather, the press is a vital and necessary component of a free democracy. From McCarthyism to Watergate to the present attacks on the intelligence and national security agencies, the press has served, and continues to serve a crucial role in holding government accountable, particularly where Congress has failed to speak or act in our defense.