Letters to the editor

A free press is vital

To the editor:

I appreciate the “Hold This Thought” column by Kalen McCain that was recently published (“Justice for AP News,” March 6 edition). I urge readers who have not yet read it to do so.

The White House Correspondents’ Association is a third-party group that traditionally picks which reporters and outlets get the honor of covering the commander in chief’s appearances. The Oval Office’s recent announcement that it will now choose its own media pool, rather than deferring to that association, is another huge step for our president to become just like those dictators he so openly admires.

History shows us that decimating a free press and controlling the media is near the top of the list for any oligarchy as it dismantles democracy.

Jill Goldesberry, Washington