Book Review: "All About the Story" By Leonard Downie

"At a time when the role of journalism is especially critical, the former executive editor of the Washington Post writes about his nearly 50 years at the newspaper and the importance of getting at the truth."

Beginning with his internship to his pioneering investigative reporting and where the world of journalism is today was quite intriguing.

The insight Leonard was able to provide readers was invaluable as we now approach the fake news era and lack of truth and transparency with media playing the role of opinionated rather than factual based reporters.

Sadly, my own local news has been selling this propaganda in controlling the narrative and allowing this hatred and anger to fester in the minds of its viewers. 

Or as noted," Partisan media dispense malicious propaganda disguised as news. Local newspapers shrinking and dying across the country, as rapacious hedge funds buy many of those still standing and drain their remaining assets."

"Increasing numbers of authoritarian regimes around the world are preventing their citizens from knowing the truth. A worrying proportion of American politics and media figures appear to be trying to do same thing here."

"For journalists, it is, more than ever, all about the story-getting it straight, and making a difference."

We cannot continue down this path of mixing opinion with facts and blurring the lines of truth v lies.

It's the job of every journalist and reporter to get the facts, to produce the truth, to give an unbiased story and to be fair and impartial in providing such information for its viewing audience.

I refuse to watch the local news for this reason and now only get tidbits that I come across online via scrolling sites like Twitter or Facebook.

Rarely do I offer an opinion because if it goes against the grain the trolls, bots, and supporters of such insanity come out in full force and I spend more time than I care too having to block them all.

It's sad that the rule of force is causing many qualified intellectuals to cower and hide because of fear of such retaliation and threats not to mention the buying off for silence articles.

My word-what has our world come too- We are no better than the third world countries and this level of corruption and lack of transparency from the GOP and others in highest offices is going against everything our democracy stands for.

Americans deserve better! Please continue to do your jobs and provide Americans the truth! We have a right to know!