American Views Abroad

 
Seymour M. Hersh, one of the most famous investigative journalists in the US, was awarded the Blaetter Democracy Prize in Germany last week. Die Zeit printed a translated version of his speech The Fragility of Democracy last week.

Hersh: There is a disconnect -- of unprecedented significance -- between the American leadership and the press, the people, and the peoples of the world. .....I see my role as very basic: I believe a responsible journalist in Washington must hold the senior people of the government to the highest possible standard, and never relent in that view. We have a profound problem in American -- one that constantly works to the disadvantage of the loyal citizen. The Bushs and Kissingers and Nixons have the power to send our children -- our sons and daughters -- into war, to kill and be killed. As loyal citizens, we honor that power and willingly follow our leaders and send our young into war. And what do we get in return -- what have we learned to expect from our leaders? We get leaders who lie, misrepresent, distort and manipulate the facts. It's a very bad bargain, and one that should be challenged by every citizen and every journalist.

The original English version can be read at www.blaetter.de/demokratiepreis.php?beitrag=26.
- posted by Gloria @ 5:05 PM