REMEMBERING JAMES FOLEY: Looking evil in the eye through the lens of a camera
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
By Jason Stverak
Credit: Jonathan Pedneault
The execution of American photojournalist James Foley by ISIS terrorists is an evil, despicable act and a harrowing reminder of the heroism of our war-zone journalists. Foley, a former Stars and Stripes reporter, left his home and family in New Hampshire to cover the civil war in Syria two years ago, and before he was kidnapped on Thanksgiving Day, he played an important role in exposing the unspeakable crimes committed by the Assad regime against its own people.
Without men and women like James Foley, the world would be a darker place where acts of evil could go on undetected for years, decades, or centuries without being brought to public consciousness. The reporters who take notepads and cameras to the world’s most dangerous locales are serving on the front lines of the fight for human rights–educating the world by giving a voice to the voiceless and a face to the forgotten.
Journalists don’t wear a uniform or a badge, but they’re public servants and the work they do requires courage and a constancy in the pursuit of what is good and true. Many reporters work to expose corruption and crime, but only a special few are brave enough to look evil in the eye.
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REMEMBERING JAMES FOLEY
This week, the reporting community was jolted by crimes against journalists, at home and abroad. By now you've likely read about former Stars and Stripes James Foley, the American photojournalist who was kidnapped while reporting on the Syrian civil war, and yesterday was executed by ISIS terrorists. We have learned about these barbaric militants and their unspeakable crimes against women, children, Christians, and Jews through the brave work of reporters like Foley, who gave his life so that the world could be informed. His courage has set the standard for all journalists, regardless of what beat they cover.
Half a world away from Iraq, American reporters have another important reason to worry about their rights here at home. Last week, police in Ferguson, MO arrested and detained without charge several reporters while responding to ongoing civil unrest in that town. These reporters--some of whom were also attacked with tear gas--were simply doing their job and exercising their right to cover the government's response to a crisis. In a world where threats to the free press can be very real, the American government can't afford to play games with First Amendment rights. We are hopeful that this week's events lead to a renewed understanding of the press' pivotal role in protecting our free society.
Best regards,
Jason Stverak
President, Franklin Center for Government & Public Integrity