I’m writing this on World Press Freedom Day. This is the day on which we recognize the critical position a free press plays in support of an informed citizenry — without which democracy cannot function. Notable during this day is the call by Joe Biden to free journalists held captive in several nations around the world.
One glaring exception, as it is to so much in our world of international law, is Israel. Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu-Akleh was executed by an Israeli Defense Forces sniper in 2022. Yet Biden has never called out the murder, preferring to wait until the Israeli Defense Forces murderers declare themselves innocent. No such need for evidence when Biden canceled money desperately needed to feed starving Gazans — but that’s another story.
Also of note is Turkey’s strongman leader Recep Erdogan canceling all trade with Israel over the continuing slaughter in Gaza. Biden, being a good “free world leader,” decries the unfortunate ethnic cleansing, but at the same time proudly quadruples the allowance our doting nation gives its rascally scion, Israel.
We teach our children that actions — and inactions — speak louder than words. Joe must have played hooky when his dad taught that lesson.
