Journalists, stand up to the Trump White House
LETTERS LETTERS@USATODAY.COM
Last Friday, the White House
blocked access to the daily briefing to several major reporters and media representatives including CNN, the Los Angeles
Times and The New York Times.
This is unacceptable and goes against the basic tenet of the U.S. Constitution and the First Amendment. The constant attacks on the press by this administration are disturbing in and of themselves. However, the Leninist claims that the media are the “enemy of the people,” coupled with outcries of “fake news,” are a direct attack on our democracy and freedom.
The Republican administration seeks to artificially tilt the pendulum in its favor by surrounding itself only with those who agree with the White House. Anyone who disagrees or questions its authority is immediately ridiculed or attacked. This cannot continue. Therefore, regardless of political ideology, I urge the press to stand with its fellow reporters, news outlets and media partners to protest the authoritarian actions of President Trump, chief strategist Steven Bannon, spokesman Sean Spicer and the entire administration.
We have been a beacon of freedom for over 240 years. The American public and the world are watching.
Stephanie Helm
Parker, Ariz.
FACEBOOK FACEBOOK.COM/ USATODAYOPINION
CNN is almost the “National Enquirer.” It doesn’t need to be at these briefings.
Mark Turner
President Trump would rather have government-run media like there are in China, Cuba and North Korea. I never thought fascism and censorship could come to America. I felt Americans are too smart, educated and sophisticated to allow that to happen. Obviously, Trump is not.
Kenneth Marshall
Trump would rather tweet his messages to people wanting the truth, not have unhinged media translate to take him down, time after time. Tim Brink
TWITTER @USATOPINION
We asked our followers whether the White House made the right decision to deny access to some news outlets.
White House officials think that by denying access to some news media, they can put an end to the “Saturday Night Live” skits lampooning them?
@poliscikeith
Yes. If a certain media outlet keeps pushing negative propaganda, I’m fine with it.
@TaylorSwiftsSon
The White House has no choice. This administration is fighting for its life right out of the gate!
@emotionalnews
To limit the news because you don’t like it is a curb to the free press we have in the U.S. No matter the party, this was bad.
@ReechaDixit
The White House was wrong, and this leads us down the road to fascism. A free press is necessary for this country to survive.
@ActDontReact