A positive news item I think worth sharing:

The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded Friday to two journalists, Maria Ressa of the Philippines, and Dmitri Muratov of Russia, for their indefatigable pursuit of the truth, in the face of the most severe efforts to suppress it.

According to the New York Times:

“The journalists…were recognized for “their courageous fight for freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace.”

“They are representatives of all journalists who stand up for this ideal in a world in which democracy and freedom of the press face increasingly adverse conditions,” the committee said in a statement released after the announcement in Oslo…

“The Nobel committee chose from 329 candidates, one of the largest pools in the 126-year history of the prize. Those who had been considered favorites for this year included climate change activists, political dissidents and scientists whose work helped fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

In its citation, the committee said that “free, independent and fact-based journalism serves to protect against abuse of power, lies and war propaganda.”

“Without freedom of expression and freedom of the press,” the committee said, “it will be difficult to successfully promote fraternity between nations, disarmament and a better world order to succeed in our time.””

You know where this is going. Our own journalists are under attack from those who would try to undermine them, say they’re liars, declare them an enemy of the people. They refuse to believe, because the truth doesn’t fit their narrative. It’s not what they want to hear.

We must believe, we must support, we must champion these courageous people around the world who seek and report the facts, the truth, at whatever cost to their reputations, their careers, and in some instances, their very llves.

The Nobel Prize Committee thinks enough of journalism to see it as important to the peace process. So should we.