MEDIA: Just tell the truth

Watching President Trump’s press conference yesterday brought back memories of my dealings with The Press 27 years ago. I was serving in the Idaho Legislature. The hot issue being debated in the Legislature was the Martin Luther King Day. Barry Casebolt was the editor of the Coeur d’Alene Press. He deliberately lied about my position on this issue by labeling me a racist. I have never been able to figure out his reasoning for this accusation other than the fact that I am a Conservative. To get at me, Mr. Casebolt attacked members of my family in The Press. When I confronted him, he backhandedly admitted he was out to discredit me when he said, “I guess we have egg on our face.”

After the press conference one reporter said, “It is the responsibility of the press to hold the president accountable.” However, it is my understanding that the press is supposed to report the news, not make it.

Too many liberal journalists use the power of the media to destroy the president. They have convinced themselves that it is their responsibility. They have violated their own consciences regarding information learned while studying journalism. The result is the president is put in a position where he feels compelled to use the bully pulpit to hold the press accountable. I am beginning to think that maybe this is a good idea. Since the liberal media management and we, the consumers, haven’t done a good job holding the press responsible we should be thankful that President Trump has assumed the responsibility of exposing lies and fake news.

If the liberal press could bring themselves to look in the mirror they would more than likely see egg on their faces. Life would be better for all Americans if the media, politicians, and all citizens would speak and support the truth. God says, “The Truth will set you free.” John 8:32

RON VIESELMEYER

Coeur d’Alene