THE POST (2018) Movie Review
The Woman Who Takes on the White House
“Fake news.”
That term has been uttered far too much over the past year by an intolerant, tyrannical president. It is so tragic how often such a president can attempt to strip away our constitutional rights as United States citizens. Freedom of Press. Freedom of Speech. Right to Assemble. Even such rights to be told truth about international and political affairs.
How can we feel secure if we cannot trust the man charged with caring for our nation?These are remarkable times. Unfortunately, it is not the first time a president has made attempts to lie to the American people and silence the press.
In 1971 during the Vietnam War, the New York Times and the Washington Post published classified information regarding our hopeless role in the war, thus outraging the entire nation. So many lives were needlessly lost. So many lies to cover it up.
Ephesians 5:11 - "Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them."
The role of the press is to inform, to report truth, even if it sheds a negative light on the nation’s leader. If the president wants to avoid scandal, the solution is simple. He must be honest and transparent. What he ought not do is silence the people charged with the duty of informing the people of news. Reporters do not like that. The people do not like that.
Such is the case portrayed in the remarkable film, The Post, a story that follows Washington Post owner Kay Graham and the events that lead to the decision that would ultimately land her in the Supreme Court. She chooses to publish a story based on a secret study proving the futility of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War even the White House reports optimism. The government lies to the people. The Washington Post would be the second in a long race to tell people the truth.
She is the only woman to own and publish a newspaper, surrounded by men who doubt her ability to lead. However, fear drives her. She wants to be a good leader for the people under her employ. She wants to make the decisions for the good of the paper. She wants the paper to thrive. She certainly does not want to go to jail.
On the other hand, she wants to do the right thing. Her decision to publish is the most difficult decision she ever makes. Ultimately, she approves the stories. She does for good of the people, the lives of the innocent boys sent overseas, and the nation’s basic civil rights.
Her rights. Freedom of Press. Freedom of Speech. Gender equality.
Proverbs 31:9 - "Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice."
God bless Kay Graham and women like her. She makes her mark in history by refusing to stay silent. She recognizes her rights despite the men who whisper and complain around her. She stands up for the country and its people when so few would. She is a woman of courage. She stands up for her rights and the rights of others.
