The US should Protect Journalists:

Journalism plays a vital role in any democratic society, as journalists work tirelessly to uncover the truth, shed light on important issues, and hold those in power accountable. Unfortunately, journalists face numerous dangers while carrying out their duties, both within the United States and in conflicts abroad. It is crucial that Americans recognize the sacrifices journalists make and takes proactive measures to protect their safety inside their own country.

In this article, I will highlight the need for respect and protection for journalists, emphasizing the importance of valuing their lives and contributions and helping Americans understand that their hundreds if not thousands of journalists have been killed in the United States and outside the United States due to direct or indirect actions of American leaders.

Respect for Journalists:

Journalists dedicate their lives to informing the public, often at great personal risk. They provide a voice for the voiceless and uncover stories that would otherwise remain hidden. Every journalist’s life holds immense value, regardless of nationality or affiliation. While it is important to remember those journalists who have tragically lost their lives abroad, we must also acknowledge the journalists who have been killed within the United States. Their sacrifices should not be forgotten or overshadowed.

The targeting of journalists has become a distressing trend, particularly in conflict zones and areas affected by terrorism. However, it is equally crucial to address the dangers faced by journalists within the United States.

Journalists have been murdered or killed while reporting, covering military conflicts, or as a result of their investigative work. The Committee to Protect Journalists has documented cases of direct targeting of journalists as a consequence of their journalistic investigations.

Do Americans or anyone knows of any journalists killed in the United States? Let me give you some example of journalists killed in the United States:

1. February 22, 2023 – Dylan Lyons – Spectrum News 13 – Pine Hills, Florida
2. September 3, 2022 – Jeff German – Las Vegas Review-Journal – Las Vegas, Nevada
3. April 25, 2021 – Aviva Okeson-Haberman – KCUR-FM – Kansas City, Missouri
4. June 28, 2018 – Gerald Fischman – The Capital – Annapolis, Maryland
5. June 28, 2018 – Rob Hiaasen – The Capital – Annapolis, Maryland
6. June 28, 2018 – John McNamara – The Capital – Annapolis, Maryland
7. June 28, 2018 – Wendi Winters – The Capital – Annapolis, Maryland
8. August 26, 2015 – Alison Parker – WDBJ 7 – Moneta, Virginia
9. October 18, 2000 – James Edwin Richards – Citizen journalist, editor, and publisher – Venice, Los Angeles, California
10. October 5, 2001 – Robert Stevens – Sun – Boca Raton, Florida
11. August 2, 2007 – Chauncey Bailey – The Oakland Post – Oakland, California
12. November 22, 1989 – Nhan Trong Do – Van Nghe Tien Phong – Fairfax County, Virginia
13. September 22, 1990 – Triet Le – Van Nghe Tien Phong – Bailey’s Crossroads, Virginia
14. October 15, 1984 – Henry Liu (a.k.a. Chiang Nan) – Freelancer and author – Daly City, California
15. August 9, 1987 – Tap Van Pham (a.k.a. Hoai Diep Tu) – Mai – Garden Grove, California
16. August 24, 1982 – Nguyen Dam Phong – Tu Do (Freedom) – Houston, Texas
17. July 21, 1981 – Duong Trong Lam – Cai Dinh Lang (The Village Temple) – San Francisco, California
18. June 19, 1984 – Alan Berg – KOA (AM) – Denver, Colorado

These journalists paid the ultimate price in pursuit of the truth, and their deaths remind us of the risks journalists face daily. It is imperative that the United States takes concrete steps to protect journalists’ safety and ensure their freedom to report without fear.

Looking Ahead:

As we move forward, it is essential to recognize that the mistreatment or targeting of journalists, especially based on their ethnicity or religious background, is unacceptable. Picking on any specific group, such as Middle Eastern or Muslim countries, only perpetuates division and hostility. The world is evolving, and new Arab leaderships are emerging, promoting diplomacy and dialogue over hostility. It is time for all nations, including the United States, to foster an environment that respects journalists and values their contributions.

Journalists are the backbone of our world, playing a critical role in holding power accountable and safeguarding the truth.

The United States must demonstrate its commitment to protecting and respecting journalists by ensuring their safety, both domestically and internationally. By valuing the lives of journalists and acknowledging their sacrifices, we can foster an environment that upholds the principles of a free press and safeguards democracy for generations to come. Let us remember and honour the journalists who have lost their lives while reporting and work collectively to create a safer world for journalists everywhere.

Note: It is important to share, retweet this article especially with Americans as their history and knowledge seems to be limited to soundbites from CNN and the woke media.

The memories of those journalists killed in the United States should be kept alive.

Mohammed Abbasi
Twitter @MohammedAbbasi