Sue is grateful for…
Throughout the past 250 years, the quirky little experiment known as American democracy has survived– surprisingly intact and robust– due in no small measure to the institution of journalism. The Fourth Estate is in fact the only societal/political force whose influence is not consistently or officially recognized. This is crucial to the American experiment. Whether it was during the formation of our country, or when the country was at odds with itself, and especially at this time, a free and vigorous press has been the central institutional force that has held all the others together. We’ve had plenty of rags to support others’ riches, and broadsheets of indoctrination rather than information. We’ve suffered under a tabloid mentality almost to the brink of destruction, but in the end it is our words, not restricted by censorship in political or ideological matters, that has endured in print and helped guide us to be our better selves as a nation. For that, I am so grateful.