Press freedom covers news for the troops

Whitestone: Now President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are out to destroy the objective, independent newspaper for those serving in the military, Stars and Stripes. New rules say there will be no more cartoons. Every article has to be approved by Hegseth and others to determine if it is “appropriate,” and they’ll block any articles not supporting and praising everything Trump’s military does. It’s clear that Hegseth’s Pentagon is attempting to turn the unbiased and honest newspaper for military troops into propaganda to support Trump and Hegseth.

The paper was first published by Union soldiers during the Civil War and was later revived. Gen. George Patton wanted to stop its publication because of its independent, honest and critical articles, but Gen. Dwight Eisenhower said no. Hegseth says they will block any article not consistent with the good order and discipline of the military, but the message is that any article not supporting Trump’s actions, especially now in Iran, will be blocked.

The honesty and objectivity of Stars and Stripes can’t be overemphasized. Over the years, it told the troops what was really happening. We need the original Stars and Stripes. All retired military men and women should fight like hell to protect this great paper in its digital and paper form.

Ashburn, Va.: Many are now crowing that Trump will finally have to pay the price for one of his many violations of the law, from phony valuations of his holdings to being guilty of 34 felonies, to abusing and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll. He has........

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