The Times Union's editorial board is upset by attempts to manipulate the press by the administrations of President Barack Obama and Gov. Andrew Cuomo ("The message behind the news," March 7).
You say that President Obama's administration "finds itself sharply at odds with what's widely seen as a liberal-leaning press."
The press has a constitutionally protected status in this country; it can be a powerful force for truth and freedom.
The problem arises when you choose sides. Your job is to seek the truth, wherever it leads.
When you give up that role, is it any wonder that federal and state governments expect you to line up with the rest of their supporters?
The Founding Fathers went to great lengths to enumerate our freedoms. In the First Amendment they wrote, that "Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press. ..."
The conflict between liberals and conservatives will continue. The side the media should be choosing is that of the people. Seek the truth. It will set us all free.
Michael Rest,
Guilderland