"A nation that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood in an open market is a nation that is afraid of its people."

 

"When you play right into their hands, then you are either crooked or stupid."

"A country can never be great with a dishonest press."

These two quotes are by President Donald Trump

The others by Thomas Jefferson and John F. Kennedy and others I have shared in this post and before are not just words. Liberty and justice for all are core American ideals.

A key purpose of journalism is to provide an adversarial check on those who wield the greatest power... and informing the public about those acts." — Glenn Greenwald

"Journalism has been referred to as the fourth estate; our democracy depends on an independent press to hold officials accountable." — Oscar Wilde

"There can be no higher law in journalism than to tell the truth and to shame the devil." Walter Lippmann

I have been a journalist in Philadelphia, Atlanta, published nationally and I did "traditional" journalism. Decades later, today what is considered media has changed. New media platforms are valid. Just because some in Humboldt are decades behind,  clueless, cannot counter with facts and feel the constant need to lash out is not my problem. 

Humboldt is decades behind what the 21st century considers media, Humboldt refuses to fund independent reporting and Humboldt expects others to risk and fight for them while they silent. Humboldt has made choices. Don't expect someone else to save you when you stay silent and are ungrateful for their risk and expense.

The last paragraph is not directed at everyone in Humboldt. Those who get upset; look in the mirror.

could report for another 20 years, provide court records and expose evil in Humboldt County. While it is effective, it is a waste of my time because the career local "media"  who have been here for decades and some longer than me do nothing to challenge those in power or bring about change.  The public sits back and allows a minority to take over government meetings, dictate online discourse and shut down anyone standing up for the people. And expect this to be done for free and at a cost to those who have courage.

Step up Humboldt or you deserve the wasteland and abuse of power. There are other places that appreciate independent reporting. Other places where traditional media does their job and scrutiny is not required. Other media who are not afraid of competition.