something that occurs to me about the “police targeting journalists” narrative: protesters’ right to speech/assembly is the exact same — from the same amendment — as that of the press. Both groups should have the exact same protections under the First Amendment

Advancing a “escalating war on the freedom of the press!” narrative requires ignoring that police have been blatantly ignoring the First Amendment rights of protesters — responding to their constitutionally protected speech with state violence — for years

Journalists are not a specially protected class of 1st Amend users. It is no *more* outrageous for a reporter to be targeted with tear gas or rubber bullets or arrest than it is for a citizen peacefully assembling & chanting (no matter how angry) to be met with that same force

I know, I know. That’s just my “opinion,” right? What would make me an expert on first amendment expression and the press during protests

In all seriousness: one reason journalists are conditioned to ignore saying anything on the rights of protesters being violated by the gov is cause they’re scared that would be inappropriate “activism”, while advocating loudly for their *own rights* is seen as necessary and noble

But then again, as I’ve been told in the past, my official job title isn’t “media critic” so it’s inappropriate for me to say such things in public. I apologize, dear readers

Another in all seriousness: I say all that despite (I hope obviously) caring deeply about rights of the press. Having been through it myself, if there’s ever a way I can be helpful to any one covering protests lemme know 216 536 3672 (I’m not an old so text & don’t you dare call)