Lives of journalists

A recent act of bravery by a Maryland newspaper’s staff in vowing to publish a newspaper after five of their members were killed by a gunman resonates with anyone who ever worked at or dreamed of being a journalist in this country.

As a former journalist (Idaho Statesman, Albuquerque Journal, United Press International) I realize today’s journalists face a daunting task in honestly reporting the facts.

Our president calls it “fake news” whenever they accurately report his misdeeds and then labels them as “enemies of the people.” (This from one whose recent campaign rally-type speech was described by a Time magazine columnist as “a dizzying array of mistakes, lies and misrepresentations.”)

Many journalists work long hours, and are exposed to criticism, threats and harassment for doing their jobs - which are essential in preserving our democracy (i.e., the Watergate investigation). But journalists realize that if they don’t respect and expose the truth, no one will.

Newspapers across the country recently observed a moment of silence honoring the five Maryland newspaper employees who were killed. “I can tell you this. We are putting out a damn paper tomorrow,” a Capital Gazette reporter had said.

James W. Ramsey

Sandpoint, Idaho