Leadership kudos to The Boston Globe

Stands up for newspapers
Echo opinion letter published in the New Jersey Herald

Including a commentary response from a reader

To The Editor from Bill Weightman:

I've written for many newspapers, including this one and The New York Times. I'm writing this piece after 300 newspapers printed editorials at the request of the Boston Globe. Yes, I wrote for that one, too. Locally, in this county and several others, I know the editors -- all are excellent. I've worked for papers, as a 12-year-old, done national research studies on two occupations for the federal government, and I've written op-eds, and letters with many in this state and others.

I agree with the masthead of the Washington Post that notes "Democracy dies in Darkness!" I agree with that idea, and I love that the Senate unanimously passed a resolution affirming that "the press is not the enemy of the people!" I know of no fake news other than one network, and other holdings of that firm. I'm glad that Facebook and other social media are standing for truth, and not hyperbole.

We know here that Newspapers in Education (NIE) attached to many local newspapers is a vital tool for our democracy, and the education of students on world and local events. This paves the way for those students to learn the news of the day, and to predict tomorrow. Why are newspapers joining together on editorial content and news?

It's clear President Trump finds any news he doesn't like to be untrue. It seems his core supporters love attacks on newspapers, and it's also apparent that despots use his news rants to condemn real news for their own ends. There's no doubt that the news media makes mistakes, but the margin of mistakes is low compared to the real facts that make our life better and more informed. I stand with the 300 newspapers and you must make your own stand.

Bill Weightman, Hardyston Township, New Jersey

Comment posted by Pieter Uptigrove:

The framers of the Constitution in their great wisdom knew that it was important to have a free and independent press to inform the public and expose any wrong doings by public officials. In the last few decades we have had the atrocities in Viet Nam, "Pentagon Papers", "Watergate", "Whitewater", Iraq War atrocities and more. The "Press" has brought to light many dark dealings done by both the Republicans and Democrats. Contrary to Trump, the Press is the friend of the people...not the enemy. Some may not like the news...but don't shoot the messenger.