A comment on “tribute to the martyrs” [Archives:2004/783/Letters to the Editor]
Roy Yerex
[email protected]
I have just read the article by Hassan Al-Haifi (tribute to the Martyrs). The 'thumbnail' sketch of Yemen history was very interesting. If I could, I'd urge more articles with sketches of Yemeni history.
I am retired now from being a lawyer for 27 years. Canada, my country, has enjoyed a progressive democracy and practicing law was, as a result, a joyful pursuit. If I may, and from that perspective, I'd support the petition for journalistic freedom.
Allowing freedom to flourish, inevitably, allows people to disagree. Open disagreement is peaceful disagreement – the positions of all sides being transparent. That is journalism's duty – make the disagreements transparent. That way, the wolf is seen as a wolf, if he dons sheep's clothing.
Journalists are, by their nature, a pesky lot. They can tend to be like little biting flies, getting through tiny openings into tender spots. Demagogues and despots dislike little biting flies – takes their minds off their plotting. – twitching and jumping the same as everyone else.
Our leaders should never be too comfortable that they can't be made to twitch, occasionally. Brings them down to the level of the common person. Which is what democracy is, isn't it?
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[archive-e:783-v:13-y:2004-d:2004-10-21-p:letters]
