Readers React: Mexican journalists risk their lives for truth while Trump wages war on the ‘fake’ media

To the editor: The journalists risking their lives in Mexico are no less heroic than soldiers on the front lines of battle. It shames our country that we are not doing more to offer asylum to these brave men and women. (“Journalists are fleeing for their lives in Mexico. There are few havens,” Feb. 5)

What is even more shameful is our own slide toward contempt for the “dishonest media.” We have allowed the president to continue his hateful rhetoric toward “fake news” reporters — fake only when they offer valid and evidence-based criticisms.

President Trump has made no secret of his desire to change libel laws so he can sue those who criticize him. He has threatened to use his power to take away network licenses if he dislikes what they have to say.

If Republicans and Democrats do not do more to rein in Trump’s attacks on the free press, we are slowly headed toward being a country that does not deserve one.

Cathy Goldberg, Seal Beach

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To the editor: I am a retired immigration attorney who handled many asylum cases.

Mexican journalist Emilio Gutierrez Soto’s house has been ransacked. It is also true many journalists are being killed or disappeared by both the cartels and police, and that Mexico is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists. He was warned that the army was out to kill him.

All this plus the fact that he is credible should be sufficient proof to grant him and his family asylum in the United States. Gutierrez has overwhelming proof of his fear of Mexico, a country to which he cannot return.

Rogelio Quesada, San Diego

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