Staff Reports
In the latest episode of clashes between journalists and activists, independent journalist Nic Sorter found himself in the crosshairs once again. He bravely attempted to cover an event at the Kennedy Center, only to be met with hostility for daring to ask questions that organizers found uncomfortable. As expected, this was followed by a bout of camera-smashing antics as they attempted to destroy evidence of their inability to engage in civil discourse. Apparently, robust debate is no longer on the menu at such gatherings, where shouting down the opposition is the special of the day.
This time, Sorter’s plight came to a head in New Orleans, where a police officer suggested that his presence was antagonistic rather than journalistic. In a rather entertaining twist of logic, the officer seemed to imply that Sorter asking questions somehow sparked more chaos than the protesters’ own inflammatory actions. It’s a classic case of shooting the messenger—or in this case, smack-talking the cameraman—rather than holding those spewing hate accountable. It’s somewhat amusing to see how quickly the blame game unfolds when inconvenient truths are exposed, isn’t it?
Adding more fuel to the fire, Sorter has faced similar encounters elsewhere, like in Portland, where he was arrested simply for being there. It seems like the trend in these liberal-run cities is to coddle those throwing tantrums while cracking down on those seeking the truth. The double standards are astonishing, yet hardly surprising. Sorter’s recent move to file a $10 million federal civil rights lawsuit sheds light on this growing pattern. It’s an indictment of the apparent coziness between these city administrations and radical activists who seem to receive a free pass from law enforcement.
Amidst these turbulent times, the narrative that these cities’ administrations and some media outlets seem to be pushing is nothing short of creativity at its worst. They are quick to portray journalists like Sorter as provocateurs rather than truth-seekers. One might chuckle at these accusations if they weren’t so blatantly misleading. The administration’s attempts to rewrite history and blame journalists for their own missteps is as transparent as a pane of glass, and as absurd as believing the earth is flat.
In the end, the attempt by some to demonize journalists who shine a light on aggression and incompetency is a futile one. The American people are not buying it. Despite efforts to intimidate and silence voices like Sorter’s, these endeavors tend to backfire, showing the desperation of those who would rather obfuscate than own up. Instead of being cowed, it’s time to double down and support these individuals who dare to stand up and question the status quo. After all, what’s journalism if not a thorn in the side of complacency and deceit?
