Cornerstone of democracy

After reading about the raised pedestrian crossing at Umina and other issues in the past, I've formed the opinion that the editor, manager and staff of the Peninsula News deserve a gong each for their efforts.

After all, a free press is the cornerstone of democracy, and there's nothing as free as an independent press like the News.

Without a free press, we might as well pack our sandwiches and go home, leaving the big political parties to do as they damn well please.

I can recall, when an alderman, promising a meeting that I would raise an issue at council.

If the council knocked me back, I would raise it with the local press.

If the press knocked me back as well, I would stand in front of the council building with a placard.

That is freedom and we decadent democrats need it like fresh air.

Keith Whitfield, Woy Woy