I’m a third year high school student. I have a YouTube channel where I interview veterans and historical witnesses from World War II to modern times. You can watch over 60 videos on my channel. Some of the unique people I met include former mercenaries, Nazi hunters, exiled Cuban rebels, and former CIA and KGB spies.
My experience has made me realize that journalists should have the freedom to interview anyone without facing backlash like Mr. Carlson. In 1977, Barbara Walters gave her first interview with Fidel Castro. Larry King interviewed Muammar Gaddafi in 2009. Interviewing controversial figures does not mean we agree with their ideology. It is a medium for the public to hear the individual’s own voice. They are part of our ongoing history. It is very important to hear all sides if we are to better understand people and events.
luke basso, Wilmington, North Carolina
The Feb. 12 news article “Interview Reveals Putin’s War Motives: To Own Ukraine” correctly pointed out many flaws in Tucker Carlson’s interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but its criticism was too calm. Mr. Carlson’s approach to propaganda work is laughable, with half-truths, small lies, big lies, and absolute outrageousness revealing the fundamental injustice of Mr. Putin’s claims for war against Ukraine. Ta.
The biggest surprise was Putin’s statement that “the Poles… were uncooperative” and forced Hitler to start World War II. When Mr. Putin sided with Hitler, Mr. Carlson nodded and smiled. Isn’t Putin’s justification for invading Ukraine the same as Hitler’s in 1939? I want some (or all) of your territory, but if you don’t “cooperate” it’s your fault for me to invade.
Hopefully all Americans understand this, especially those in Congress who must muster the moral courage to stand up to Trump and vote on the next Ukraine aid package.