“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment or religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom or speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”–First Amendment, Constitution of The United States of America, 1791.

There can be no more important protector of a functional democracy than a working and free journalistic profession. Yes, the military defends of from armed threats, but the free press is vital in defending us from foes often more insidious and tougher to identify. Often these foes are ourselves, or the companies, institutions and governments that lead us. Without the press to keep us informed, we would often be at the mercy of those who should be protecting and caring for us, and god help us against outside foes without the media to sound the alarm.

This week’s Sommer Nights Facebook Debate Society topic (still working on the name), the first on our FB debate platform, was related to Freedom of The Press. Making headlines this week alongside the confirmation hearings, the Twitter fights with the Intel Community and Rep. John Lewis, and the lack of a-list talent at Friday’s D.C. Festivities, news broke that the incoming Trump Administration has apparently been considering relocating the White House Press Corps out of the actual White House. While there are legitimate logistical concerns to consider this move, space limitations and access issues among them, the timing of this move could not be worse. We are on the advent of an administration unlike any our country has ever really seen, at a time when journalism and media as we know it are in the midst of a continuing transition from print and broadcast to instant online. Needless to say, limiting access to our country’s senior leadership at this junction in history could be extremely dangerous. And suspicious. Image matters. Words matter. And when you have an incoming POTUS calling the company that established cable news as a thing in our country “fake news”, a man at war with any media that doesn’t agree with his narrow world view, and THEN you tell everyone you are going to relocate ALL media out of the hub of the Executive Branch? Well, that is NOT a good image to convey for those who like to believe we still adhere to the Constitution.

I am no journalist, nor am I am expert in investigative techniques. I have learned a thing or two about research lately, however, and truly understand and appreciate the need to back up headlines with facts, not just opinions. The need to dig deep, find out the truth behind a situation or event or trend. The need to properly source. The need, most of all, for access to the story itself. Access in itself is NOT the entire process, however. You still need to work for a story, you still need to take risks and take chances. Journalism is a dangerous game for those who truly value the process. For those who take their role in defending democracy seriously.

Do you think Woodward and Bernstein weren’t at least a little bit worried about their work on the Watergate break in? Do you think that staff of the New York Times were looking over their shoulders during their reporting on the Pentagon Papers? How about Florence Graves? Barton Gellman and Glenn Greenwald? Bet they were scared shitless.

Journalism is necessary and vital. Without it, we risk losing all we have fought and bled for over the years. And yet, to quote Spider-Man’s uncle, with great power comes great responsibility. The media can fail at that responsibility. There used to be a lot more discretion in the media.  They might learn of a story, but keep the parts that didn’t directly challenge our country, way of life and matters of law out of the print.  We didn’t need to hear about affairs, about mistresses and the dirty laundry of a Presidential marriage.  Now they tend to dump all they have, into the churning mixer of the public.  They can also easily get seduced by the speed at which information can flow in our modern age. Jumping to conclusions before facts are known. They can take the easy path, follow the trends of our public who increasingly is to lazy to read past a headline, and who might rather prefer watching a three minute rant on You Tube and call it “news.” Sensationalism sells, often more that dedication and hard work. This is one reason why the ranks of companies and individuals who call themselves media outlets and news organizations has exploded. Anyone with a You Tube channel, a computer to handle effects and editing, and a decent camera can peddle information on the internet. Gain some ad revenue from clicks, hire another “reporter” or two, and suddenly you are an outlet. And the public loves it, cause the public takes that easy path.  And easy can often allow a single focus to take hold, to guide the discussion a certain, preferred direction.

Which brings us back to removing the White House Press Corps from the White House. With the man in charge already at war with the press, removing the journalists from the center of the action can be perceived as the first move in violating the First Amendment. Maybe not in letter off the law, but the road from perception to reality is a short one at times. And with the press no longer in the building, the new administration will be that much more able to control the narrative coming out of their office. To control the image. Over the years Mr. Trump has flirted with the idea of starting his own network. Perhaps, if rumors are believed, in conjunction with Breitbart. Since Mr. Trump has already shown a willingness to ignore ethical standards and maintain contact with his current businesses, what is to say he won’t start up a few more?

What if, one day in the next two years, the only news channel to have access to the White House and the President is Trump News Network?