[[*Endless Road_______Endless Journey]]*

Thursday, July 06, 2006

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Just read on the Net about news of mr brown being suspended from his once-a-week column on every Friday's issue of TODAY.

Looks like, once again, speaking up against the government, no matter which way you choose to, seems to backfire.

I've read the article published last week, and have to say that it was a pretty amusing article, to say the least. Though I wasn't too surprised that a press reply from someone in the governemnt would soon appear. Indeed, I was proven right.

No matter whatever criticism (or feedback) you seem to offer, the relevant people up there would almost have a ready-made response. One that seem almost seamless in writing and defending its position.

What I find most baffling about the reply was this: It is not the role of journalists or newspapers in Singapore to champion issues, or campaign for or against the Government.

Didn't I just read an article not too long ago in The Straits Times that the government was appealing, or rather, encouraging, every single Singaporean to send a picture of their smile in order to welcome the many World Bank and IMF guests that would descend on our little island come September?

Seems really contradicting, isn't it?

In fact, it has "contradiction" written all over it. Of course, I believe that the role of journalists and newspapers are to, first and foremost, present the truth. That was what I was taught during my News Writing module back in poly too. But to do only such would generally undermine a journalist's ability to come up with anything else.

Other than reading bare facts everyday, I believe it's refreshing for most to read an article written either with considerable intelligence or humour that offers a different take on life someone else may have. I am not against conformity, for I know in many aspects of life, it is necessary. But to control every single aspect or opinion someone has smacks of a society not so different from a monarchy. Perhaps even communist.

For sure, our society may not be, or should I say, is not ready for a press as free as perhaps the United States. But will it really hurt to allow a few differing opinions to be published on our newspapers? Our people aren't given an education for nothing. I'm sure the overwhelming majority is able to differentiate what is right or wrong, and to make informed choices.

Afterall, what's the point of reading forums when everyday, all you find are snippets of people writing in to complain about trivial matters, like a train being not on time.

Such a forum is certainly not one to capture either imagination or attention.

[[Walking Alone On This Endless Road]]*|11:21 pm|