Editorial: We take offense at Trump's false insult
"Enemy of the people."
That's what President Donald Trump has called the news media. In our editorial on Thursday, we argued why this is despotic language that endangers the republic.
But today let us also point out that it's plain wrong.
"Enemy of the people."
Neighbors, we take offense at that. It is not just hurtful and wrong. It is the opposite of truth. It insults the tireless efforts of everyone who works here.
On a wall leading to our newsroom hang framed examples of the community service work that is the hallmark of our staff's devotion. At the center of that long display, public service awards surround an elegant poster that proclaims, "Ultimately, our job is to make the world a little better place."
That is not simply a mission statement. It is our reason for being. It's at the forefront of our journalism. It is a guideline for the judgments we make, for the care we give to sensitive stories, for the balance of good news we strive to include with the bad to properly reflect life in the suburbs.
For years, we have used our journalism to combat the tragedy of drug abuse. We exposed and explored opioid dangers long before it became fashionable to do so. People tell us we've saved lives in the process.
In our "Perilous Pathways" series, our reporting not only may lead to important legislation, but it increased everyone's awareness of the potential dangers at crosswalks and to approach them more carefully.
Our "Last Kiss" series this spring helped bring attention to the loneliness and isolation that grips widows and widowers who for so long had suffered in silence.
Our examination of school test results revealed the relentless depth of the link between income and academic performance - and looked for solutions.
We prominently highlight local charities with our monthly "Caring in Action" feature.
We call attention to "Suburban Heroes" with a weekly column designed to pay them tribute.
Our Fittest Loser contest has helped suburbanites lose hundreds of pounds and reclaim their health and their lives.
We strongly support education, singling out the "Suburbs' Top Teachers" and honoring high-performing youngsters with Academic Teams and Leadership Teams and All-Area sports teams and using them as role models for others.
We play a watchdog role on suburban tax matters.
We provide forums for civic debate on issues of the day, viewing that as one of our most important obligations.
We come to work each day hoping to contribute constructively to the well-being of the community. Occasionally, we get to do that in big ways. More often, it's in little ways. In either case, that's why we're here.
Enemy of the people?
Our hearts break to see our efforts and our life's work so falsely disparaged.