Editorials / Opinions

I would urge you to watch the Meet the Press interview with the President and Kristen Welker. She asked a plain question about a $1.8 billion fund he wants to steer toward people who beat police officers on January 6. The reporter asked, “Do you think anyone who attacked police officers on January 6th should get taxpayer money?” The President of the United States unclipped his microphone, called the reporter crooked, called her darling and walked off the set.

The President insulted the network, insulted the host, dropped a thank you darling to the host and bolted. If you have not seen the interview it is very telling that the president lost his nerve with a journalist who asked tough questions and asked him to provide evidence of his claims, as public officials are generally expected to answer difficult questions. The exchange highlighted a simple political truth, we care how our tax dollars are spent. We want to know whether public money is being used to lower costs, improve our communities, or to reward political cronies and special interests. We care that groceries, food, gas and utilities are up and this war in Iran is still going on with no end in sight.

In a democracy, elected leaders and government officials exercise enormous power. Because of that, there is a long-standing expectation that they will answer questions from journalists, legislatures, courts and the public, even when those questions are uncomfortable. The purpose is accountability. As citizens we have a legitimate interest in hearing what the President has to say on a number of topics and many were discussed in that interview. Watch the interview and make your own opinion.

Sincerely,

Joan Reading, Union Dale, PA