On the Fourth of July, I started my subscription to our local newspaper, The Durango Herald.
I have always enjoyed reading the Herald, and like my friends who lean both left and right, I don’t always agree with everything that is written in the paper. What’s important is that the Herald makes an attempt to share everyone’s thoughts and ideas.
I am supporting my local newspaper to demonstrate that I support the First Amendment of our Constitution.
Forty-seven years ago, I became a citizen of the United States of America. My parents immigrated to this country when I was just 6 years old, having lived through the horror that was Nazi Germany.
My mom and dad wanted their new family to have the blessings of freedom and liberty guaranteed by our Constitution.
My father taught all his children to always be aware of the signs that lead to totalitarianism. If he were alive today, he would agree with Sen. John McCain, who said, “When you look at history, the first thing dictators do is shut down the press.” In fact, my father told us the story of how soon after Hitler was elected in 1936 he began to degrade the press.
I’m not suggesting the White House is occupied by a fascist, but it doesn’t matter if you are Republican or Democrat, you need to understand the First Amendment. Freedom of the press is the conduit to your freedom.
Thomas Lehnhardt
Bayfield
