Watchdog
of Freedom
The
expression that dogs protect freedom sounds somewhat funny. However, it¡¯s easy
to understand it if we use the English word ¡°watchdog.¡± How does this watchdog
protect freedom? I can call this dog a watchdog of the freedom of speech and
press. In other words, when the freedom of speech which is the main focus of democracy
in
Regardless
of where it is in the world, the country where there is no freedom of speech is
not a democratic country. To put it differently, the freedom of speech is the
most important element in relationship to the issues of democracy and the
protection of human rights. The press is considered the apex of this important
freedom of speech. That¡¯s why the government always commandeers broadcasting
stations, and newspapers, when there is a rebellion. Naturally, broadcasting
stations can broadcast news fast, but after several days pass, it¡¯s the
newspaper that leaves its trace behind in writing to keep history, and that¡¯s
why the importance of newspaper is highlighted. Not only is the freedom of
speech important during war or rebellion, but it is also important during times
of peace. It would not be an exaggeration to say that newspapers determine the
freedom of speech during both war times and times of peace.
Nowadays,
newspapers that prop up the freedom of speech are continually shutting down.
Some people, especially, young people, do not take this seriously, arguing that
¡°The newspaper is no longer important because we can read all the news on the
Internet.¡± However, what they who have myopia fail to see is that because the
Internet gives out the articles that appeared in the newspaper freely, all they
have to do is to transmit the information more quickly without any duty or responsibility.
What concerns me with the demise of newspapers is that without reporters who
take enough time to investigate secretly, research, and stick to an issue
tenaciously like a dog, there would be no watchdogs watching the federal
government, state governments, or big companies. What presidents or high
ranking officials in democratic nations are most afraid of and beware of is the
newspaper. Like a dog that watches homes, the paper doesn¡¯t sleep but barks at
even a small noise or movement. That¡¯s why newspapers not only expose the
corruption leaders try to overlook, but it also plays the role to change the
course of a nation¡¯s history by sticking to the issue of corruption.
It is
the press that impeached President Nixon, and it was also the press that
exposed the shameful acts of President Clinton. Likewise, it is the press that
reveals the wrongs of churches and Christians. Then there are newspapers that
try to cover up the wrongs of churches. I¡¯m ashamed to say this, but some
newspapers do hide the wrongs of churches. However, I might be spitting at myself
since I¡¯m a Christian myself, but the truth must be broadcast. Only then will trust
be built, and erring churches will have a chance to rectify themselves.
If a
home watchdog is very smart and can tell a visitor from a thief by his
appearance and treat him accordingly, what would happen as a result? It may be
a good thing at first. However, when a thief comes camouflaged like a visitor,
can the same dog bark at him knowing his real identity? The reason people raise
a dog is that they want the dog to bark at people other than the family.
Likewise, when Christian newspapers report exactly what happens in churches,
they can make a great contribution to right the wrongs. The same thing can be said
of newspapers. Reporters should write articles honestly for the sake of the
public, instead of plotting with politicians. Even when they write articles
related to their own companies, reporters should be able to write honestly
without giving into any of the pressure.
The
problem is that these home watchdogs are disappearing, and instead dogs that
are pets are on the rise. Honest newspapers are continuously shutting down due
to the recession in the States. If this trend continues, the freedom of speech in