EDITORIAL: A Motherland Paying the Price for Sold-Out Pens — The Political Fanatics and “Click Journalists” Who Destroyed the Country

“Truth is not a commodity to be decorated or compromised; it is a sacred freedom. Yet, our motherland has plunged into the abyss today because that sacred pen was auctioned off on the garbage heaps of power and greed by so-called journalists displaying blind loyalty.”

When asked who is responsible for the destruction of our country today, the immediate response from the majority is, “It is entirely because of our politicians.” However, to assume that this is the absolute truth is to keep our motherland trapped in darkness. The unvarnished truth—stated without an ounce of hesitation—is that the comprehensive ruin we face today is co-authored equally by corrupt politicians and those who masquerade as “journalists.”

In saying this, we must preface our argument by acknowledging that there are still honourable journalists with an unyielding backbone, as well as genuine, pro-people politicians who discharge their duties with utmost integrity. They must never be lumped into the same category as the political scoundrels and pathetic media personnel we indict here. But the tragedy of our times is that this noble minority has been overshadowed and drowned out by the overwhelming tide of the corrupt.

Four or five decades ago, our politicians were capitalists of substance and philanthropists. Journalists were figures embraced by society with the deepest reverence, standing firm for unyielding truths. Today, however, that entire landscape has been turned upside down. The political stage is now dominated by thieves, the corrupt, drug traffickers, and underworld thugs.

An even greater tragedy is that the role of laundering these crimes—acting as the “door-mats” and sycophants who pave the way for these destructive political monsters to reign in absolute impunity—has been eagerly assumed by those calling themselves journalists.

Nowadays, the primary qualification to become a “journalist” is simply having the right connection to someone in power. Even if one is completely illiterate, as long as one knows how to crawl close enough to lick the boots of the ruling elite, anyone can become a boss in a media organization. Armed with institutional press IDs used solely as shields to satisfy personal greed, these individuals cannot even draft a simple news report correctly. Relying entirely on modern technology, they are mere “Click Journalists” whose only skill is pressing a camera button.

To boost click counts, drive up views, and harvest likes for their portals or channels, these individuals mislead society, spread vicious falsehoods, ignite communal hatred, and line their pockets over the corpses of innocent citizens. The media, which once commanded the highest respect in society, has been dragged into the dirt and prostituted by these very individuals.

Politicians destroyed the country for power and money. But the destruction wrought by these pathetic, fake journalists—who actively abet murderous politics, throw dust in the eyes of the public, and profit over the rotting carcass of our nation—is far more insidious.

Therefore, the politicians are not the sole architects of our country’s destruction. Those who enabled them through media prostitution are equally culpable partners in this national crime.

• Purogamiya –