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Sunday, June 16, 2019

The "Editors in Chief "speak out.

Twenty "Editors in Chief" of some of the most important Newspapers of Austria signed a Position Paper regarding the "Ibiza Video". (which I have discussed below.)
I believe that it is well worth-while to post herewith a translation of this well considered "Clarification."

"Four weeks ago, two renowned German Newspapers/Magazines published the so-called Ibiza Video.
Since then, happenings took place, resulting in an interim Government. The reason for this upheaval  has almost been forgotten. The search for the person or persons who produced this Video, as important as it may be, overshadows the threat to our Democracy well documented by this Video.

It is easy to forget that the Chief of the FPÖ (Freiheitliche Partei Österreichs), one of the governing coalition parties unequivocally expounds on the manner in which foreign financial contributions may be made to bypass all controls, ending up in the coffers of his party. 
It is easy to forget that his Party would direct all government work to the company to be formed in Austria by this Russian spender.
Forgotten is the plan to  gain control over one of Austria's leading Newspapers with the aid of Russian investments, also for the reason to get rid of  unwanted, critical Journalists.

That Politicians dream of direct control over the Media is not exclusively an Austrian phenomenon.
He, who has power, or wishes to obtain it, seeks ways to control the controllers.
Where this ends up can be seen clearly in Hungary, a country specifically mentioned by this FPÖ leader as a shining example to be copied.

Independent Media, in a liberal Democracy, are no instrument of gaining and maintaining power of one Party  or of a powerful group of interests, they are not an instrument to manipulate its readers.
With all the shortcomings they (the Media) may be accused of, they are an important Correcting Agent of Politics. Who, if not this "fourth power" could bring mismanagement and misuse of governmental power to the light of day?

He, who disregards the borders between Journalism and Politics, endangers the fundamentals of Democracy. Since this self evident issue is apparently being questioned, is it important to us to remind all in complete clarity."

(end of quote)

There are indeed, many stubborn "Right Wingers" who, to this day, have no understanding of a Democracy, or simply prefer right wing dictatorships, hoping to be on the ruling end.

Bertstravels
fears for the many countries who  lean to the far right, or the far left.


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