Free expression is a bedrock of American democracy. Testing the truth of official pronouncements is the highest exercise of that fundamental right. The ability to hold accountable the powerful, without fear of retribution, is the hallmark of true liberty.
President Trump's vilification of the media, branding it "the enemy of the people", is a trademark of autocrats throughout history. His verbal abuse of and disdainful response to journalists has become commonplace. To the extent that his assault on the media has gained traction with a significant bloc of the populace, and is echoed and amplified by a sycophantic element of cable news, it is increasingly dangerous.
Now, Mr. Trump threatens to issue an executive order to prevent such platforms of expression as Facebook and Twitter from alerting their readers to the presence of misinformation or blatant falsehoods published by posters who have no regard for truth or propriety, our president being a prime offender.
We must hope that better judgment by those having any sway with this president will prevail or, failing that, the courts will swiftly strike down this latest threat to a free society.
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