The day after the fatal shooting at the Capital Gazette in Annapolis, Md., a fresh cake was delivered with a warm smile to the front desk of the Lewiston Tribune.
The woman — a new resident to our Lewiston-Clarkston Valley — simply wanted to wish us well.
Truth be told, we aren’t any good at receiving compliments or positive gestures — let alone fresh-baked goods.
Nonetheless, after a skeptical glance at the creamy white and blue frosting, the gesture was appreciated.
Thank you, anonymous cake friend and journalism supporter.
The gift, which disappeared by the noon hour, stands in contrast to the steady charges against journalists of “liar,” “fake” and lately even “enemy of the people.”
Such accusations spurred the leaders of 300-plus news publications — including your Lewiston Tribune — to participate in a Boston Globe-led effort to write independent editorials today in support of the freedom of the press.
Quick background: President Donald Trump’s narrative reached a new pitch in mid-July when he reiterated that the “fake news media” is the “real enemy of the people.” It was part of a tweet also touting his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin as “a great success.”
The steady barrage has had a crystallizing effect.
We’ve heard from plenty of readers — local readers — who believe we are “liars,” “fake,” “enemies” and part of a “deep state” conspiracy.
It’s a difficult narrative for us, your 125-year-old, independently-owned Lewiston Tribune.
That’s because we support Trump’s right — and your right — to be critical of us.
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas — regarded as the most conservative member of the court — made a few comments in a recent C-Span interview that gave me solace.
In reference to opinions surrounding the role and function of our nation’s judicial branch, he said there’s the “real world and the myth of that world.”
There’s a difference between what “is said goes on in judging, and the court, and what actually happens.”
Thomas doesn’t like the “myth making” about our courts from people who simply “don’t agree” with the court’s verdict and guidance.
It’s analogous to the war of words against the Fourth Estate — journalists who provide an equally important check and balance for our young democracy.
As Thomas said, “We don’t have the time or energy … to change or engage in that narrative battle. We have work to do.”
Unfortunately, the anti-press narrative has grown so pervasive — and threatening — it requires a response.
So here goes …
Who we’re not:
We are not your enemy.
We are not liars.
We are not producing fake news.
We are not part of a conspiracy.
And we’re not perfect.
Who we are:
We are your neighbors. We are sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, dads and moms. We are grandmas and grandpas.
We’re taxpayers.
We’re hunters. We’re fishermen. We’re river rafters.
We’re artists.
We’re conservatives. We’re liberals.
Some of us own guns, some don’t.
We are Americans.
Each of us got into this trade for different reasons, and all would agree, that without the truth, we won’t get to where we need to go.
That’s journalism — truth.
That’s what drives us.
Truth — and transparency — in our local, state and federal government is not part of democracy, it is democracy.
Our faith is in you, our neighbors.
We’ll keep staying up late to let you know what happened at the city council meeting, the basketball court or football field, the school board meeting, the statehouse or interesting happenings in the far reaches of our eight-county delivery area.
We’re unapologetic defenders of your right to be heard and will forever stand up for the inherent tensions built into our U.S. Constitution.
Credible, well-sourced journalism is more vital today than at any point in our nation’s history.
We’ll continue to focus on our mission.
Instead of cake, let’s pour a cup of coffee. We want to hear from you.
We aim to stand tall for all, and together we’ll chart our cities’ — and our great country’s — bright path forward.
Alford is editor and publisher of the Lewiston Tribune. He may be contacted at alford@lmtribune.com or (208) 848-2208.
