To a nationwide newspaper campaign this week in defense of a free press.

Hundreds of newspapers across the country united on Thursday with a coordinated series of editorials in defense of a free press.

Started by an editor at the Boston Globe, the effort pushed back against President Donald Trump’s attacks on “fake news” and his notion that media is “the enemy of the people.”

The U.S. Senate also passed a resolution without any objection in support, stating “the press is not the enemy of the people.”

We add our voice to this effort and encourage residents to support their local newspaper.

Like other newspapers, the Tribune strives to present news objectively, and it is our mission to inform, involve and inspire our readers. Our journalists and others across the country dedicate their lives night and day to inform and keep their communities safe and aren’t afraid to stand up, even when it may not be popular to do so. We will be the first to admit when we make a mistake.

In honor of the newspapers that participated, we share a few quotes from some of the editorials:

“The true enemies of the people — and democracy — are those who try to suffocate truth by vilifying and demonizing the messenger. The response to that cannot be silence.” — Des Moines Register

“The greatness of America is dependent on the role of a free press to speak the truth to the powerful. To label the press ‘the enemy of the people’ is as un-American as it is dangerous to the civic compact we have shared for more than two centuries.” — Boston Globe

“An independent and free media — and local news in particular — is our protection from tyranny and our guard against the oppression of those who would take advantage of us. Our nation’s democracy hinges on the accountability and the checks and balances ensured by a responsible press.” — Duluth News Tribune

 

To the eight people who filed for Albert Lea school board.

We were glad to see eight people step up to the plate these last few weeks to file for four school board positions to be filled in the November elections.

The seats of board members Mark Ciota, Dave Klatt and Jill Marin are up for re-election, along with a new position added to the board.

In addition to Ciota, Klatt and Marin, the other candidates running are Brian Anderson, Dennis Dieser, Kim Nelson, Ehsannah Paw and Kalli Rittenhouse.

We look forward to hearing more from these candidates as the campaign season progresses and wish them all luck in the upcoming November election.

 

To Albert Lean Richard Olson.

Congratulations to Albert Lean Richard Olson, who set out to teach others this summer about how capable people with disabilities are and the difference they make in the community.

Olson, who has a mild intellectual disability, traveled to St. Paul in January with representatives from Blue Earth and Mankato for a week-long Olmstead Academy conference for people with disabilities. He has since worked on a project to create greater community integration for people with disabilities.

A member of The Arc of Freeborn County, Olson had a booth at the Freeborn County Fair about the project and has also attended the Martin County Fair to spread the word.

We thank him for his dedication to this project and for the awareness it brings to the community.