Name Your Sources

"The era of empty talk is over." -- President Donald Trump

Good idea, Mr. President. When will you start? -- Pug Mahoney

   The president demands that news media identify their sources, especially in stories that are critical of his statements and actions.
   That rule, however, works both ways. His typical claim to support many of his arguments is a variation on statements like, "A lot of people are saying it," or "Everybody knows that."
   Seldom, however, does he provide hard evidence for allegations like millions of illegal votes were cast last November, and if not for that "alternative fact," he would have won the popular vote count. Or the claim that busloads of people traveled to New Hampshire from Massachusetts to vote illegally against him.
   When challenged, a Whine House aide replied "this is not the venue" to provide evidence, but the reporter should go to New Hampshire and ask there, because everyone there knows it's true. Reporters did just that, and every state official -- even Republicans -- denied it.
   Meanwhile, as for the demand that sources be identified, consider this: Police use confidential informants regularly in their quest for evidence. Intelligence agents routinely use anonymous and confidential sources to gather information critical to the national defense. And many states protect the legal right of journalists to use confidential sources in news gathering.
   So as for revealing sources, it's appropriate for the president to set an example, supplying evidence and putting names to sources for his claims and allegations. Moreover, laws apply to all citizens, and that includes a president. He is not exempt from the law. He is, after all, a citizen, and subject to the same laws as all other citizens.
   Journalists, too, are citizens first and reporters second. First Amendment rights of free speech and free press apply to all citizens, not just to those with the financial resources to own a printing press or a broadcasting facility.