“When citizens must think twice about criticizing or opposing the government because they could credibly face government retribution, they no longer live in a full democracy.” — The New York Times, “How Will We Know When We Have Lost Our Democracy?” May 8, 2025, Steven Levitsky Lucan Way and Daniel Ziblatt
I read this opinion essay for free from the library.
Recent calls to eliminate funding for the Institute of Museums and Library Services (IMLS) and the Public Broadcasting Service should be viewed as a means to control information and reduce connections that strengthen communities, particularly those in rural areas.
IMLS funding won’t shut down our libraries, but it will reduce the information that is available.
Programs funded by the IMLS strengthen a community by expanding the availability of information which gives us all a sense of shared experience.
Similarly, the elimination of funding for the Public Broadcasting Service seeks to control information and viewpoints.
The Washington Post changed its opinion writing and didn’t endorse a candidate in the last election.
Have you changed the way you voice your opinion on social media? At work? Do you know any federal employees who have?
These are actions the Times essay’s authors refer to as competitive authoritarianism.
I urge you to use your library, check out the New York Times, the Seattle Times or Clallam County news and photos archives.
Get it while you can.
Marina Chase
Port Angeles