Setting Sights for the New Year
By 250 News
Wednesday, December 21, 2005 03:48 AM
It is often said that without “ watch dogs” there would be no democracy, and so as we approach the end of another year, all of us here at Opinion 250 are taking some time to sit back to reflect on what really should be our mandate.
To be sure, there are many good stories that need reporting but there are also many stories that should be reported.
It is far easier to become (as I like to refer to it) an “Indonesian” reporter, by that, I mean you can report on all the events taking place in that country, slam the government, slam the establishment take a piece out of who you choose because plain and simply they will not be reading it and so really could care less.
This brings to the forefront, for example, the matter of Ian Bush of Houston, shot to death by a police officer. It is important that we raise the issues on the matter. Justice must not only be served but must also be viewed as having been.
The recent issue of train derailments at CN is rather small potatoes perhaps, but should be reported. Rather than society even being in doubt as to what took place, the media have a responsibility to provide that information.
There is a further element, and that is the role that those people who have registered on this site have to play.
I watch with interest every day as the banter goes back and forth. Sometimes I am tempted to enter into the fray, but surely the people, no matter what their opinion, have that right and indeed it does make democracy work.
Rarely a day goes by where you don’t see an example of where the media have done their job; unfortunately there is a growing trend to take the Indonesian approach to news in which you offend no one.
The politicians and the leaders like it that way, it gives them a free reign to do only what they think is right regards of the result.
As Rafe Mair said recently “There are few of us muck raker’s left in the media in the west Ben , I wonder what will happen when we have gone?”
Well I do hope that long after I have departed, many of you will be around with your sharp whit and reasoned approach, it speaks well for the future.
I’m Meisner and that’s one man’s opinion.
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Posted by: Chadermando on December 21 2005 11:22 PM
Someone has to bring things to the table for some discussion. How boring if everyone agreed. The most difficult thing we have to do is think for ourselves.
I've learned to tolerate the opinions of others, as they are only sharing their personal experiences, beliefs or knowledge about a particular issue.
Maybe they know more than me, maybe they know less. To them, they are sharing their truth as they know it. Who is to say that they are wrong?
So, we all have a responsibility to share our opinions as they could have some influence over the opinions of others. Who would everyone listen to if we sat quietly on the sidelines and never told anyone how we felt, or what we thought? Chester