According to a new article in the Oregonian, another attack on the First Amendment may be in progress. Malheur County (which became infamous due to the takeover of the Wildlife Refuge by Bundy’s Band) has been asked by Republican Congressman Greg Smith to investigate the Malheur Enterprise, a small newspaper, for harassment:
https://www.oregonlive.com/business/2019/08/malheur-county-asks-sheriff-to-investigate-local-newspaper-for-contacting-public-officials.html
The Malheur Enterprise, a small newspaper in eastern Oregon, spent months investigating a state lawmaker’s business deals and contract work in Malheur County. But on Monday, the newspaper reported an unusual development: Now the county wants to investigate the Malheur Enterprise-- for harassment.
The problem? Reporters made too many phone calls and sent too many emails, at least in the eyes of local government officials.
So digging out possible conflicts of interest by public servants constitutes harassment now? Luckily, the newspaper is not backing down:
..."Suggesting that professional journalists are behaving as criminals in gathering vital information for the community appears to be an effort to silence and intimidate the Enterprise," said Zaitz, a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist while a reporter at the Oregonian. "We are a small, independently owned news source trying to hold public officials accountable. Rather than provide information and truth, local officials appear more interested in criminalizing a profession protected by the First Amendment."
Not surprisingly, those who are watching what Rump is doing to degrade press access say this is not limited to Oregon by any means:
… In April, the international organization Reporters Without Borders downgraded the United States to"problematic" status for the first time since the it began tracking press freedom in 2002, citing increasing threats of violence against journalists and President Trump's hostility, as he repeatedly describes the press as "fake news" and the "enemy of the people."
That’s a frightening statement… we used to have pretty decent press protection…
… The Enterprise began its investigation into Smith earlier this year, focusing on government contracts he has won for his economic development business, Gregory Smith & Company, while juggling his roles as a state lawmaker and director of Malheur County's economic development department. The coverage has questioned whether the revolving roles have created conflicts of interest, given Smith's influence on the legislature's budget-writing committee.
Bolding mine… Certainly sounds worth investigating. Stay tuned...I hope Oregon’s other House and Senate members speak out against this over-reach!