By Monica Vest Wheeler
My question for the day: When will we learn to think for ourselves? God gave us free will.
I finally had the opportunity to see "The Post," the current movie about the 1971 Pentagon Papers, a critical turning point in our nation's history.
It should be required viewing for everyone in this country. And everyone should have to write an essay about it.
(I'm really nice because it's not like I'm making you sit down and read the whole Constitution, though it wouldn't hurt us at this junction of our human history.)
I am a child of the 1970s, lit by the fire of an incredible age of journalism. I took an unspoken pledge to research and uncover the truth and facts, and write about them to educate the public so people could make informed decisions. What a sacred vow I accepted when I learned the heart and soul of the journalism field from my high school teacher, Lee Pursley, pictured here inspiring me.
I'm more troubled today about the future of this nation than ever before in my 59 years. I wonder where its common sense has gone by the way people run with rumors and ignore facts. The internet has spawned some of the most ridiculous and vile theories and opinions that have crippled, not enlightened the world … creating blind obedience and dangerous paths to the cliff where people will jump just because they've been told to … because they've forgot how to think for themselves.
One of the greatest lessons of "The Post" is that the First Amendment is the FIRST amendment. And as the Supreme Court said, the free press serves the governed, NOT the government.
Fearmongers and power-hungry individuals who consider themselves above the law are grounding our nation's symbol, the eagle. Just remember this: if you consider yourself right-wing or left-wing, a bird cannot fly with only one wing.
Absolute devotion to one party is dangerous, not loyalty. It blinds you to THE truth, THE justice, THE American way.
That's the trio that earns my undying respect and devotion.
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