Editorial –
The theme for World Press Freedom Day (WFPD) which was observed last week on Friday, May 3, was “Safe to Speak: Securing freedom of expression in all media.” Of the many thoughts and ideas that jumped out from this, the obvious to many in these parts, was the fear that generally exists in people, whether in small or large groups and communities.
The more freedom people enjoy to express themselves whether in words or action the more productive they will be leading to wealth, enhancement and advancement. In an Introduction to an Election Handbook for Journalists, it speaks early about the free exchange of ideas. “If, however, elections are not conducted in a manner that provides for the free exchange of ideas and solutions among candidates, their parties and the population, and if the process of voting and declaring results is not transparent, such elections will impact negatively on the ability of the eventual victor to govern under conditions that are widely accepted.”
It goes on to speak about, What are the marks of free and fair elections? For one thing, they must be conducted in a transparent and open way, with sufficient information made available for the advice of the electorate.
Naturally, there cannot be transparency without information on thoughts, ideas and plans, explanations of actions past and to come. So that transparency covers a multitude of situations. It is the reluctance and the absence of transparency that push people in the arena of fear and solitude and even into the feelings of guilt. The result is always looking over the shoulder, afraid to speak. Unfortunately far too many are afraid to speak, when it is always ‘safe to speak’. It brings a freedom that is so powerful.
Speak out always to oppose evil. That is what good people do. Some people know of evil, but keep quiet about evil. They even begin to doubt that corruption is evil, so they struggle. The hard truth is however, if you are good, then the will is already present to stand up and fight for what you know to be right. Tell a journalist and leave the rest to him/her.
The further truth is, as Edmund Burke observes, “Time and again those who profess to be good seem to clearly outnumber those who are evil, yet those who are evil seem to prevail far too often. Seldom is it the numbers that determine the outcome.” Even in the scriptures, there are numerous examples of this sad and awful scenario being played out over and over again.
So here is the great saying: When good men do nothing, evil triumphs. Evil, sin and sinful men must always be opposed.’ In our so-called Christian society, it is well known, God commands those who are good, not just to avoid evil but actively oppose it. So, here is another way to look at it, and let it sink in. When good people do nothing, they are no longer good. Many have the mistaken notion that good is merely the absence of doing that, which is wrong. This goes for the many people who know that they are being given evil instructions, yet the fear sets in and they do it nonetheless, never realizing that they are just as evil as the one they perceive will persecute them. Far too many say, “I cannot change the world,” “everyone else is doing it” and they question the benefits of being good.
There are many verses of scripture and stories of scripture that can aid the good person to be good and speak out loudly, quietly against good to expose it and stop it. For those who tend to want to hide our evil from the outside world, figuring that the only thing they want to do is use the information against us, it is only because you believe they are evil also. But, evil plus evil remains evil, and hauntedness and more evil is all that will result.
Where there is lack of transparency, there is evil. Whenever there is something to hide it cannot be good, it is evil. Failure to make it possible for all to be informed and thus empowered is evil. Anyone who is good wants to share good to all.
