The Power of the Press
After the presidential inauguration the entire press machine of the United States will probably come under attack. This is a battle we all need to fight and, no matter what our point of view, we have to make sure that the media can operate unencumbered by threats from an aspiring dictator.
Some newspapers such as the Washington Post and the New York Times have already succumbed to possible threats by taking the cowardly position of not endorsing a candidate in the November election, fearing later retribution. This is clearly a sign of what is to come and it is especially troubling because the press has decided to self-censor in advance of any real threat.
The first amendment to the constitution states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” It does not say that the President cannot try to muzzle the press with intimidation and threats and that is what is so scary.
