Dear Editor,
As a subscriber to The Chronicle and as a citizen of our community, I applaud the sentiments and intelligence of both Erin Tierney’s piece, ”On reporting the tough stuff,” and Aliya Hall’s opinion piece, ”Local journalism matters because our communities matter,” in last week’s Chronicle.
Reporting the tough stuff and seeking the truth are vital to a healthy and safe society, just as the job police officers do in controlling and protecting us from the harms those who would violate the laws and standards of our society pose. The absence of either would have dire consequences for every one of our lives.
The press defends and represents ”We the People” (that means you and me) from a world where corruption and selfishness might rule the day. It is those whose selfishness or corruption are the worst who attack the free press most aggressively. That is why the FIRST AMENDMENT OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION protects the right of a free press and free speech. The framers, the architects of the United States, knew how important that freedom was then and remains so today.
Thank you to The Chronicle for honoring and defending this fundamental principle, and know that your efforts are appreciated and supported.
Joseph Blum
Hamm Road