Need active free press

Criticizing the press is nothing new in American politics. However, what we are seeing from this president and his administration is on a whole new level. While we should always hold the media to be accountable and honest, lambasting respected and credible news outlets as “fake news” simply because they are asking tough questions is not only childish, but also dangerous. Democracies need an active and free press. If the public trust in the free press erodes, then it will be a less effective check on those in power.

The president of the United States tweeted on Feb. 17 that the media is the enemy of the American people. This is not normal in functional democracies. Not since President Nixon have we seen such animus from a president toward the press, and even he saved his more colorful comments for private conversation rather than through a medium like Twitter.

If anything, President Trump should follow the example of a different Republican president, Theodore Roosevelt. President Roosevelt understood the importance, and the utility, of the press. My only fear is that President Trump will take the phrase “bully pulpit” too literally.

COLBY QUALLS

Little Rock