Voluntary censorship

Re “Journalism on trial,” editorial, Dec. 30

Why get so exercised about the punishment of journalists in China when the voluntary press censorship regarding government policies and behavior is so blatant right here at home? If, three years ago and ever since, our nation’s press had been less eager to support obviously dangerous policies, and warned this administration regarding war in the Middle East, we wouldn’t be sunk in the mire of the present war in Iraq. Voluntary censorship is just about as bad as state-ordered censorship, because the end results are the same.

JEAN GERARD

Los Osos, Calif.