American Society of Newspaper Editors Fires Back at GOP

In the wake of the Bush administration's assault on the New York Times, accompanied by GOP members of Congress and their ideological friends in the media, the American Society of Newspaper Editors has issued a statement "deploring attempts by government leaders to demonize newspapers for fulfilling their constitutional role." David A. Zeeck, president of ASNE and executive editor of the The News Tribune in Tacoma, Wash., said it was important to “focus on the issues raised by the reporting, not on attacks on the truth-tellers.” The ASNE statement in full: “The administration of President George W. Bush and some members of Congress are threatening America's bedrock values of free speech and free press with their attempts to demonize newspapers for fulfilling their constitutional role in our democratic society. “In recent weeks, fair reporting and considered decision-making by editors has surfaced important questions about practices of our government as it prosecutes the war against terrorism. These newspapers -- and news outlets of every variety that reprinted or rebroadcast their work -- have done their work professionally, accurately and with careful consideration of the balance between the needs of security and openness that exist in a free society. “Newspaper editors don't claim to be infallible in all judgments. However, the First Amendment makes it clear no person or branch of government has the prerogative to usurp any American's right to speak or print what he or she believes is important and relevant truth. We believe honorable debate would focus on the issues raised by the reporting, not on attacks on the truth-tellers. “Members of the American Society of Newspaper Editors abhor terrorism and share all Americans' desire to defeat it. We also believe patriotism demands the clarity of focus on the conduct of our government that is often provided only by determined professional reporting.” via Pete Yost at AP.