A good idea to walk out

by J. Patrick Reilly

Keeping the press free has become a challenge thanks to an administration that wants to manipulate the news.  No matter how many times the term “fake news” is used it doesn’t make it true.

Getting the news got harder this past week when Secretary of War Pete Hegseth presented news organizations covering the Pentagon with a policy that only what he releases can be used.  

What Hegseth accomplished was creating more space at the Pentagon as most of the reporters packed up and left, refusing to sign the agreement. Instead of buying into the manipulation the reporters turned in their badges.  They are to be commended for standing up for what is right.

For our country and its citizens to be free, the press must be free.  It is time the administration puts aside its petty differences with those who disagree and start cooperating.  If that happens it will work to benefit all.

And Pete...don’t count this as a win.  The Pentagon will still be covered even if getting the news may be a little harder.  Because if there is a story there our good journalists will find it.