“This is surely the time for nothing but the truth in journalism, and, of course, throughout society.”
Excerpts from the just-published analysis on protecting journalists, Free Press and democracy, “Applying Experience to Purpose”, STRIVE online magazine, January – March, 2020.
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“Actions and abuses against a free press observed across the globe are gravely concerning, and the numbers are even more sobering: In 2019 alone, 25 journalists were killed and at least 250 imprisoned. During the period ending August 31, 2019, 318 journalists were murdered for their work worldwide, and in 86% of those cases no perpetrators have been successfully prosecuted, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists Impunity Index 2008-2019, Getting Away With Murder…
“Chances are that in the time you read this piece, somewhere on this good earth a journalist will be threatened, censored, assaulted, unjustly arrested, jailed, kidnapped, or God forbid, murdered. The free press and liberal democracy will have received yet another grievous wound.
As an octogenarian , I view the mission of protecting journalists and journalism itself against such attacks as the “gold” of public service in my golden years …
“So what is to be done?
Engage. Energize.
To amplify: Apply the talents, experience and connections you’ve accumulated throughout your career years, perhaps many years, in service to the cause of your choice. Spread the word, encouraging enduring commitments. I did that with two of the organizations leading the defense of journalists and the Free Press: the Committee to Protect Journalists https://cpj.org/ and the Society of Professional Journalists
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I urge you to undertake similar action.