Journalists are not the enemy

There's been a concerted effort to defame "the media" in this country and this should cause all of us to be concerned and to take action. Journalists are our friends, not our enemies. Are there dishonest journalists? Of course there are, just like there are dishonest lawyers, contractors, teachers, and physicians. No group of people is without their bad apples. In general, however, most people in the media are honest, hardworking, brave souls who want to keep us, the public, informed.

Yesterday, a GOP candidate in Montana "body slammed" a reporter who was doing his job. The politician then released a false statement describing the events in the exact opposite terms than how they occurred. Fortunately, there were witnesses and misdemeanor charges have been filed against the politician. The election is being held today and I hope the citizens of Montana step up and make the statement that they will not tolerate violence in their political leaders.

We need journalists who will ask the tough questions, who will speak up, who will do the investigative background work so we can be given the truth about things that are hidden. To do their jobs, journalists cannot be shy, retiring souls afraid to speak up. It used to be that journalists overseas were in the greatest physical danger. Now, it is getting to be dangerous to be a journalist in this country.

I have a friend who still owns and operates print newspapers, something it is getting more and more difficult to do. He told me he is amazed how he is still approached by young people fresh out of college who want to work for him, who want to be journalists and reporters. He says he asks them, "Are you sure this is what you want? You know, it is getting to be a tough job to do and to find consistent work." "Yes," they assure him. They say they want to inform the public, tell the stories, do the challlenging background work that has to be done. Some even offer to work unpaid just to gain valuable experience.

Journalists go where you and I cannot go. Journalists can ask questions, dig around in records we can't see or access, and they can confront political and business leaders who need confronting on our behalf. We need to support them and the media outlets for whom they work. As for the politicians who don't want journalists or the media poking around in their affairs, I ask this: what are you trying to hide?