The downside of being a reporter

Today, I read several articles about the journalist Jill Carroll. The Christian Science Monitor reporter who is being held in Iraq while governments barter for her release and the release of women Iraqi prisoners has been the source of much controversy lately.

I think that no matter who is writing the story, any reporter could be inclined to express some righteous indignation at Carroll's situation and editors may feel OK with letting it by. However, I think that many writers and editors did an exellent job covering the facts of the story without getting too caught up in relating to the story.

One story that I read (on the Christian Science Monitor webpage) made me see the story from yet another angle. It contained a quote from Carroll's father, James. He said,"Do not sacrifice an innocent soul. Instead, use Jill's abilities as a reporter. Allow her to be your voice to the world. Her life as a reporter would better serve your purpose than her death."

I found this to be so inspiring. To know that even in times of peril, journalists hold the right of expression, speech, and truth tells me that we are never powerless.