I don't do this for sport everyday. I do it because I have long respected a profession vital to the democracy of the USA. It has been badly bruised and beaten since 2000 and there needs to be a reassessment of the practive domestically.
Since this administration has taken office the deaths and jailing of journalists globally has skyrocketed. This is the life blood of hope for people of all nations. For that reason I intend to attempt to begin a dialogue on what is best for the profession. The reason for the scrutiny of journalists internationally is not so much terrorist influence in societies but more the tightening of boarders and closing any chance that authority is challenged by unrest. The reason is simple. The Bush/Cheney administration is a threat, a known threat to global stability and the damage is directly related in the need of countries to define their sovereignty and reign in any discension. Hence. Journalism is the first rhelm of oppression.
To begin I see a broader responsibility for a profession in terms of setting up panels to develop guidelines for 'behavior' of journalists in the USA and a broad. Domestically the role of journalists need to be broadened and court decisions challenged. Internationally I propose a 'rating system' based in literacy or illiteracy, government and laws, population of the country and overall expertise of those that practice the profession within any country. A support if you will to develop an education process that can be measurable in diplomatic dealings to advance the profession in a responsible way along with the development of the country.
I don't see countries advancing without a press in place to connect people to their lifestyle choices, their government and social advances.
With a global rating system, the State Department can be held responsible in legislation to answer to the press organization of the USA as to the adverse arrests, detentions and deaths of collegues while demanding the 'art of journalism' be promoted along with and no different than child labor laws and environemental standards.
