Sir, – John Pilger, a towering figure in the realm of of true journalism, has left us (”Campaigning Australian journalist John Pilger dies aged 84″, World, December 31st). He was an exemplar of all that is good and just in the realm of journalism and his presence on the global stage will be missed, especially now, when his type of journalism is needed more than ever. He spoke out for the underprivileged, the victims of unbearable suffering in times of war and against those countries and individuals that perpetrated and inflicted such egregious crimes against humanity.
He recognised, early in his career as a journalist, the evils of war, and that it was the innocent that suffered the most. He never wavered in his entire life from the path he chose then, a path which showed compassion and empathy for the suffering of others. John Pilger’s advice to those seeking the truth was “Let your judgment be based on a well-informed conscience. The more you inquire the more likely you will find the truth.” The phrase “a beacon of light in a sea of darkness” is an appropriate epitaph for the likes of John Pilger. –Yours, etc,
TOM PARTRIDGE,
Tramore,
Co Waterford.