A former student, Jenna Ruddock, is the advocacy director of Free Press Action and she has been monitoring the press situation in Minnesota. The arrests of independent journalists are not unprecedented in US history, but in every case, such arrests have threatened the freedom of the press which is indispensable to democracy. Jenna was just quoted in The Guardian and her words deserve close attention:
“’While journalists and civilians continue to heroically document conditions on the ground in the face of escalating violence from federal agents, the Trump administration is using every weapon at its disposal to shut down efforts to document, report and dissent,’ she said.
“These latest arrests are just the latest in a long line of first amendment violations by the administration. Too often, corporate media have readily capitulated to the administration’s demands. Independent journalists, on the other hand, are continuing to lead by example with their critical reporting under increasingly unsafe conditions – indeed, with targets on their backs.”
One should not underestimate the importance of independent journalists. Some prominent mainstream media outlets, such as the Washington Post, have compromised their independence by seeking favor with the Trump Administration. Jeff Bezos is more than likely expecting solicitude by the Trump Administration by producing flattery projects such as the documentary, “Melania”. These journalists lack the law departments that most large media firms employ and are therefore highly vulnerable. People like Jenna are to be applauded for their willingness to protect and defend our freedoms.
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