Obama is doing what Nixon did

In the early '70s President Nixon had a secret "enemies list." On this list was the news media in general as well as specific television networks and journalists. When it was revealed that this list existed all the news media declared a jubilee and had a jolly time reviling him.

This is a despicable attack on the freedom of the press, they huffed in magnificent indignation.

We couldn't pick up a newspaper or magazine, or listen to a radio or television broadcast in which Nixon was not being characterized as loathsome for possessing such a list.

Now it is clear that our new president has a not-so-secret enemies list. Barack Obama despises Fox network and has taken steps - via his staff mouthpieces - to punish the organization for its "transgressions," in other words, criticisms.

Today we cannot pick up a newspaper or magazine, or listen to a radio or television broadcast (Fox excepted) in which Obama's attacks on the network are not being "justified" as in, "Glenn Beck is a liar," "Rush Limbaugh is an idiot." Or evaded as in, "Is it politically wise for Obama to attack Fox?" "Shouldn't Obama simply ignore Fox?"

Where is the outrage we experienced under identical circumstances 35 years ago? Where are the champions of a free press now? Paraphrasing Jim Geraghty in National Review Online, it is the duty of a free press to make elected officials uncomfortable.

And the most sinister observation of all: Why does the president consider hostile the only news organization that exposed the scandal of ACORN and Anthony Van Jones?

Nixon kept his enemies list secret because even he knew such a list was wrong. Obama makes no secret of his enemies list. Does the word "arrogant" spring to mind?

Don Frost

Rolling Meadows