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The general public has a right to know exactly what our politicians get up to. Media journalists are our eyes and ears and represent those of us who cannot actually get to watch proceedings in Congress. In that way, they help keep an important check on our politicians.
The journalist's job is vitally important to the workings of democracy. For that reason it is important that they are well trained. As well as understanding the way Congress works, they will have been trained in writing, law, government, shorthand and all the other skills needed to be a competent journalist. The job is a real art. It is not possible for anyone to just sit in Congress, watch what is going on and then write an informative, delving report.

If any old Tom Dick and Harry is allowed into Congress under the guise of being a journalist, then will the public get the true picture of what is actually going on? People with allegiances to certain politicians or parties would be able to spout out biased, unfair and incorrect tripe. There would be no checks on the people supposed to be keeping a check on the machinations of Congress on our behalf. So, let's leave it to the professionals.
I am not decrying bloggers and citizen journalists - they too play an important part in disseminating news and information. But the job of media journalists is vital to our society.

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