Shield law would create special class

Regarding your editorial encouraging a federal shield law for reporters, a shield law would create a special category of unconstitutional privilege for a small group of citizens based on occupation. Aren't we all supposed to be equal before the law? Sounds like this proposed law would make some of us more equal and privileged than others.

The elected officials determining who is a "real" reporter and who is not are the same group of people reporters are supposed to be critically covering. Golly, what could go wrong with that?

For hundreds of years, reporters have done their jobs quite well without any need for a shield law. Seems like, as in the past, both the reporters and their sources should have the courage of their convictions. We don't need any more privileged classes of people. Just look at the television news and commentary talk shows. Most of those reporters, columnists and editors have a pretty elevated opinion of themselves and their work already. They don't need any more special privileges awarded to them by the politicians they are supposed to be covering.

Don F. Ruhter

Barrington