Responsible Journalism
by DCDave

You have to be careful with what you say,
There's danger in freedom of speech,
Fanatics may take your words the wrong way,
And put in practice what they think you preach.

You must learn to temper your criticism,
Don't weigh down the system's defenses,
We can only take so much antagonism,
Ideas, they say, have consequences.

For the head of state you must cut some slack,
They once called it royal immunity.
If his actions appall you, then turn your back,
As he sullies his post with impunity.

You have little choice but to let it slide by
When our biggest offenders are leaders.
Once it's reached that point the stakes are too high
And you have to break faith with your readers.

David Martin


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