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Politicians are not immune from criticism, even during coronavirus outbreak

Media’s job includes holding authorities accountable

MEMPHIS, Tennessee —

As the coronavirus continues to spiral, political officials are under tremendous pressure to make sound decisions to protect public health. And there seems to be the notion that now is not the time for media criticism of their actions. The president complained yesterday about reporters’ questions that don’t suggest that he is doing – as he likes to say – a great job. He wants the media to be more positive and nice.

Even governors – such as Tennessee’s Bill Lee and Mississippi’s Tate Reeves – have bristled at questions and reporting that were critical of their handling of the pandemic. Yes, there are uplifting stories occurring in the face of this outbreak. People are stepping up in numerous ways to help their neighbors – and even total strangers. And the news media are doing more than a credible job of covering those positive stories.

But just because we are gripped by the spread of a deadly virus, does not mean our elected leaders should be free from criticism. It is perfectly reasonable to call out governors Lee and Reeves for their reluctance to take decisive action regarding shelter-in-place orders. And to question whether they care more about the economy than public health. In the case of Reeves, his decisions last week caused confusion and disgust among some of the state’s mayors.

The point is, we all have jobs to do. And the media’s job includes holding authorities accountable. And that’s my point of view. I’m Otis Sanford, for Local 24 News.

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