Skip to content

Not only do we have a right to know, we have a duty to…

“Not only do we have a right to know, we have a duty to know what our Government is doing in our name. If there's a criticism to be made today, it's that the press isn't doing enough to put the pressure on the government to provide information.” quote by Walter Cronkite
Download Open image
“Not only do we have a right to know, we have a duty to know what our Government is doing in our name. If there's a criticism to be made today, it's that the press isn't doing enough to put the pressure on the government to provide information.”

Walter Cronkite

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Citizens must actively seek and demand transparency from their government, and the media should hold officials accountable.

In simple terms: Know and demand government transparency; media must pressure officials.

Key Takeaway

Demand transparency and hold media accountable.

Themes

civic duty media responsibility government accountability

Mood

concerned determined

Type

civic activist

When to use this quote

  • voting
  • community meetings
  • journalistic investigations
  • public petitions

Key Concepts

Transparency public oversight press freedom

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can citizens ensure media independence?
  • What tools help demand transparency?
A Different Perspective

Media may lack resources or independence, limiting pressure.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Walter Cronkite

Explore all 210 Walter Cronkite quotes

More Criticism quotes

Browse all 3,954 Criticism quotes