A Plea for Responsible Journalism

Listening to: Radio 1

So Harry has been brought home early, thanks to some short-sighted loud-mouthed Americans. The news brings a few points to mind.

1. Kudos to the Royal family and the British Army
   In my opinion, a lot of the armed conflicts we see today are far from over because those who make the decisions have no emotional desire for them to end. OK so maybe Prince Charles can't single-handedly pull British troops out of Afghanistan, but at least now he knows how every other parent whose child is at the front-line feels.
   Well done to Harry, for proving that he didn't join the Army just for show, and for acknowledging that when it comes to defending Queen and country, he has as much of a responsibility as every other enlisted soldier.
   And hurrah for the British Army for not succumbing to the all-too-frequent pampering of 'celebrities' that we see in other areas.


2. Kudos to the British Press
   ...for at least once, showing that they understand the gravity of the situation, and for respecting the MoD's blackout request. In the age of sensationalism journalism and 'he who sells more, wins', the restraint demonstrated is commendable.


3. So what if Prince Harry goes to war?
   I mean that is what he signed up for, isn't it? A news blackout is acceptable, since knowledge of his presence puts his comrades at risk, but is it that much of a big deal to say that he's there in the first place?


4. The Drudge Report must really not like Britain
   If Harry had come back on the day he was supposed to, without any publicity, none would be the wiser. Now that the whole world knows he was out there, the Royal family becomes a target. Way to go, dudes.


5. Publicity stunt, much?
   Apparently Max Clifford (whoever he is) thinks this was all a publicity stunt to reverse the bad press Harry was getting for being your average party-going 23 yr old. He claims that senior officers would've ensured that the prince would be well out of harm's way. While I'm usually a fan of conspiracy theories, I think this is a bit far-fetched. I don't think the Army would've put their entire regiment at risk just for this, and collateral damage is such a frequent occurrence in this day and age that it would be virtually impossible (I imagine) to ensure Harry's safety. I could be wrong, of course, but I think there's a time to be a hater, and now's not one of them.

I guess there'll always be some hot-headed journalist who takes it upon him/herself to bring news to the world, without any regard for the safety of those involved. Maybe front-line duty should be made compulsory for anyone wishing to report on military affairs?