The big and small importance of newspapers

In the big picture, newspapers are as fundamental to our democracy as the Constitutional separation of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government.

Referred to as the Fourth Estate, newspapers function to not only inform the public, but to hold governmental leaders and institutions accountable for their actions.

Even though the Founding Fathers often complained of bias, untruths, vulgarities and a stench of “putrefaction” in press reporting, they ironically regarded the press as crucial to the preservation of our form of government.

The First Amendment to the Constitution ensures this continued protection by providing, “Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech, or the press ….

On a smaller scale, local and community newspapers serve the same watchdog and informative function; however, they have additional value important to our democracy and our everyday life: they are a resource for community action and connection.

Let’s consider the valuable attributes of the La Conner Weekly News:

1. In a rural area of diverse urban and rural political views, the paper encourages and provides an uncensored forum for the expression of all views by way of letters to the editor and opinion pieces.

2. Editorial opinions, musings and staff reporting and commentary on relevant topics are offered.

3. Local news of interest and importance is covered. COVID-19 is front and center with detailed information and safeguard reminders.

4. Ads of local merchants for goods and services is published for readers information. Where else are residents to learn of sales and discounts, or be reminded of local dining and shopping choices?

5. The Police Blotter provides a sense of possible “unlawful” activity in the community, while also makes it highly entertaining with humorous titles to reports of collisions, thefts, free running dogs and horses, drunken behavior and sundry “suspicious” activities by suspects unknown.

6. Last, but not least, entertainment is provided by a very challenging crossword puzzle every week, and, if you are up to it, also a Sudoku numbers game.

Unfortunately, national, regional and community newspapers are all being pre-empted by the Big News reported on the internet and regional TV. Stop for a minute: what would life be like without the unique, informative and entertainment benefits of The La Conner Weekly News, and other local newspapers?

This is an unpaid and unsolicited submittal.

Buz Humphrey

Anacortes