Political Quotes

“It was Thomas Jefferson who said that, if he had to choose, he would prefer newspapers without government over government without newspapers. Now, that is quite a dramatic statement, but I think it highlights how critical journalism is to holding government accountable. Indeed, as my lapel pin notes tonight, ``Democracy demands journalism.'' Now, journalism is not a comfortable duty. I suspect every good reporter has faced the wrath of a wronged politician and has had disgruntled viewers or readers or listeners cancel their patronage. It is tempting for us to be among the disgruntled, but if we want a free society, we have to support a free press, one whose loyalty is not to partisan endeavors or to stoking division and conflict but, rather, is to the truth. Yes, Madam Speaker, democracy does demand journalism. ____________________”