I assume (unless Ogden papers are the only source of news) that most of my local readers are aware of the national news stories that has probably garnered the most attention since it broke on Thursday – The Atlantic’s investigation of President Trump’s attitudes towards veterans:

President Trump, who never served in the military, canceled a visit to a cemetery where American troops are buried, saying: “Why should I go to that cemetery? It’s filled with losers.” @JeffreyGoldberg reports: https://t.co/RNS5eO1bUD

— The Atlantic (@TheAtlantic) September 3, 2020

Since then, the Associated Press confirmed most of the report as did the Washington Post.

Even Fox News has supported the article’s premise:

Here's Fox News Channel confirming details of the @JeffreyGoldberg article.

Trump would say about American veterans: "What's in it for them? They don't make any money."

On including wounded military veterans in a parade: "That's not a good look. Americans don't like that." pic.twitter.com/9uDuUTfMt9

— Josh Campbell (@joshscampbell) September 4, 2020

Okay, what has our local congressman, Republican David McKinley, said about the story? Nothing that I could find.

What have our local Ogden “newspapers” printed about this story? Nothing.

Our local representative and our local papers regularly voice their concern for veterans and yet when given a choice between Trump’s appalling statements and supporting veterans, both chose silence. McKinley, a veteran, likes to portray himself as a major supporter of veterans and their concerns. For example, before the coronavirus outbreak, he often made front-page local news (with pictures) by simply meeting with veterans (his Facebook page included even more pictures). Additionally, his congressional website has links for various veterans’ concerns and his correspondence with his constituents often highlights veteran’s affairs. As to Trump's comments, McKinley could have said something in defense of the veterans but that would have meant criticizing the president; his choice of silence on Trump’s statements speaks loudly on who he really supports.

Our local Ogden papers wrap themselves in the flag on the various veterans’ holidays with stories, pictures and editorials (often recycled from previous editors). During the Obama presidency, the editorial page was also quick to criticize the president for any perceived slight to veterans. Trump is now president and Ogden’s policy has been for there to be no editorial criticism of Trump and little, if any, news coverage of anything that might damage the president’s reelection chances. That we’ve yet to read anything about Trump’s attitude about those who serve is not surprising – Ogden is first and foremost a propaganda outlet for the Republican Party and only sometimes a news source. (It’s another reason why I call them “newspapers.”)