Post Scripts: News: Making sacrifices?

A Texas newspaper’s city editor has been fired for writing a column critical of President Bush’s handling of "America’s new war." Tom Gutting lost his job a few weeks ago when the owner of The Texas City Sun was unable to digest Gutting’s critical column of the president. He is one of a number of newspaper people fired for their critical remarks which says something about press freedom in this period of our history.

Says Gutting: "In his remarks to Americans relative to the terrorist attacks, Bush warned the nation that the attacks would force all Americans to make sacrifices. I didn’t realize how quickly my turn would come."

After one of the president’s speeches, Gutting used his regular column in The Sun to raise some doubts about the quality of his leadership. There was a loud public outcry and he was promptly fired. Says Gutting: "What happened to me as an individual isn’t important. I’ll be fine, although less naive about the commitment of editors and publishers to the ideals of free speech. It is important, however, for Americans to reflect on the dangers of silencing differences of opinion.

"During the past few weeks there has been a great deal of talk about what it means to be an American. Citizens and leaders in this country have become united, waved flags, and sung "God Bless America." Being American, however, means more than simple shows of patriotism. The strength of America does not come from flying the flag, but rather from our unique set of ideals.

"Especially in times of crisis, it is important for Americans to adhere to the principles that have made us the flag bearers of Democracy to the world. That’s why strong reactions against dissenting voices across the country have become alarming. Granted, this is a time of unusually strong American unity. The crisis has given President Bush what his election did not – a mandate.

"But as George Washington said: "Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is a force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master; never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action." Irresponsible action becomes a threat when vigilant critics are silenced. It is our obligation to freely debate the direction our nation and our leaders are taking. The beauty of our Republic comes from a diversity of thought, not unity of thought. If we squash debate, we crush the sacred duty of our citizens.

"Even if I was wrong, the fact I spoke out makes the truths I contested stronger. America today is under a world microscope more than ever and that means it is more important than ever to adhere to our ideals. I’m happy to have been able to answer the president’s call for sacrifice."

Editor Gutting is not alone. I agree with him, and John Stuart Mills, who had it right: "Complete liberty of contradicting … our liberty is the very condition which justifies us in assuming its truth."

Hope my friend Gutting gets a job on a real newspaper.