https://www.yahoo.com/news/no-rachel-scott-not-fired-172544859.html

I was watching a news program the other day, not one of ours, one of theirs. That is, not a new source in the United States but European. It was one of those roundtables where they bring in journalists with different specialties and they were explaining the politics of the United States.

It stuck out for me. The commentary was at all times insightful, intelligent and delivered as if between ladies and gentlemen. They did not shy from saying controversial things or sharing their honest opinions. They were obviously learned, very well educated professionals.

Now, let me refer to the article referenced above (just below the title) and tie this writing together. Rachel Scott had the courage and professionalism to ask an important and completely relevant question of Donald Trump. Rumors has since been flying about that she was fired. I guess the general impression is that when Trump feels slighted, his internet minions alight like a swarm of killer bees on his perceived enemies and force them to give in. But that didn’t happen here.

And while seeing the minions defied is always edifying and delightful, what is really important is what she did. What was her perceived crime you might ask? She committed journalism. She spoke truth to power and refused to throw softball questions at a major political figure. And people are appalled.

I read the news everyday. And yes, I do realize that this is bad for my mental health but I do it anyway. What is read is always appalling, most common news items are publicity stunts and these are utterly predictable and useless nonsense, although watching Vance attempt to ambush Harris’ was funny but that was an exception. Then there are thinly disguised or just plain open sales pitches — “Did you know this famous celebrity was wearing ELEVEN dollar earrings and where you can buy the very same ones??” Then there is naked click bait, “Twelve reasons cheese is killing you!!!!” If you click on this nonsense you will have to click on 12 separate pages to see what you could find out in seconds on a standard wikipedia page but of course, you have had to wade through twelve sets of advertisements.

And I can go on. But what do I seldom see? Journalism.

Journalism is like what Rachel Scott asked the former President – to summarize briefly, “Why should Black people trust you?” Journalism is articles explaining about and quoting from Project 2025. Journalism isn’t covering the presidential race as an exciting sports event but talking about what the decisions these people are going to make are going to do to our lives.

We need journalism like our bodies need blood. A flow of accurate and critical coverage is essential in our now threatened society.

I’m glad she’s not fired. I’m glad she asks tough questions. She’s an American hero and we are damn short of those right now.

James Alan Pilant

I have included a news article about the interview at the bottom of this article.