Trump fears a free press, accountability

As a political independent, my reaction to President Donald Trump's behavior and rhetoric is based on simple decency. His tweets are truly tone deaf, given the recent tragic loss of 11 lives at a synagogue in Pittsburgh, and following multiple bomb mailings to top Democratic officials and CNN. In one of his tweets, he ties the “great anger” to our news media. His rhetoric is a steady drum beat to weaken a fundamental strength of our democracy: a free press.

This constant focus to undermine the press has a well-developed strategy to sow doubt and distrust in the media, as they continue to report his actions. When you hear him at a rally complimenting a congressman for body-slamming a reporter saying, “He's my kind of guy,” Trump's promoting violence. When he continues to attack the news, he sounds like a person blaming his appearance on the mirror.

You take away our free press and you remove accountability from our leaders. James Keough

Palos Heights, Ill.

When it comes to President Donald Trump, I'm reminded of a bank robber who, when caught, complained about the police tactics that caught him. If Trump doesn't want bad press, then maybe he shouldn't say/do stupid stuff.

Brian Kindel

The ironic thing is that the media helped Trump get elected in the first place. Remember the Republican primary in 2016 when there was more than 10 candidates running? Who got the most air time during the debates? Trump stole the show, the TV ratings were great, and everyone was happy. I'm not sure Trump could have gotten his message to enough people to win the primaries without the media's “help.”

Johnny Rose

If the news media are honest and Trump is wrong, why — with all that he has accomplished — do they loath to give him any credit? Barry Levy