Press Sensitivity

With the world unsettled by the Russia/Ukraine horror, it is natural for all of us to think about and comment on what is happening. What is not alright is to question our national resolve and solidarity at a precarious moment.

Our President is in the thick of things and needs flexibility to seek the best solutions and pathways toward a peaceful world. That does not mean giving in to the bully Putin and his warlike stance; nor does it mean we should be all macho and rattle our own weaponry. It takes tact. It takes cool minds. It requires solid information and intel. It also requires less open criticism in the press.

America is home of the free press. It is also home to freedom of religion, right to assembly and free markets. None of these freedoms are absolute. Not all freedoms are totally free. Duty and responsibility are called on. Some limitations exist. We are not free to shout ‘fire’ in a crowded theatre, for example. And, freedom of religion is apparently not freedom from religion.

As the President navigates a way forward, comments may be garbled or even in error. Ease off knee jerk reactions criticizing the President at a time like we are in currently. Give him some space. Accept the apology or correction to misstatements. Such are inevitable.

I don’t appreciate the comment by Biden that Putin should be removed from office. That sentiment is fully in my mind, by the way, but it is not a diplomatic thing to say.

Putin is a horror show. We all knew this day would come. He intends to win whatever the cost. We can even imagine what his endgame is. But none of that matters at the moment. What does matter is developing international strategies with allies and the United Nations to limit Putin’s damage and find a way back to peace. That means we expect the press not to jump all over the players while this delicate work is being done.

Now is the time for us to pull together and present a unified face to the world. America is not the leader of the entire world. Only our part of the global real estate is our domain. We must work with other nations to cool the global political climate. That means we will consider our options quietly and calmly. Unnecessary rhetoric is not appreciated. Nor is it helpful.

March 30, 2022

 

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