Dear Editor,
The article carried by the Observer on December 14, entitled 'Judge accuses journalist of promoting criminality' was an interesting one.
To be very frank, I do have that same opinion as Judge Panton. I always say that there is a list of elements that contribute to Jamaica's problems, and journalists are on the list.
Media sensationalism sells newspapers, and I am not going to sit here and say Jamaica's journalists are the only ones doing that.
"We have a situation where media houses are, in my view, in many instances, encouraging criminality. Why do I say that? They promote individuals who may be suspect in criminal activities at a level which is unbecoming," said Justice Panton. For example, Vybz Kartel and the four other men are accused of murder and one would think that only Kartel is on trial. Every time you read about the case you only see "Kartel trial" and his photo, even though one can see that he's handcuffed with one of the other accused men. Why are the newspapers showing only Kartel's photo? I am no fan of his, but it is unfair to him that journalists in Jamaica are using this bad news to sell their papers.
I am no fan of the gay lifestyle either, but our journalists seem to get strength whenever news of gays are involved. You have to wonder if these journalist strive on negativity like Justice Panton mentioned. Our journalists are not only promoting criminality, but they are also hypocrites.
They are also responsible for the bad state of our football. They are so confused that they are writing positive things about our present JFF president even though it is crystal clear that the president is doing a bad job. None of them ever grill the president about his suspension by FIFA.
Our journalists are doing everything upside down. It is true that journalists are between a rock and a hard place, but that doesn't give them the right to write news just to sell newspapers or write news just to appeal to certain persons in society.
Even though I condemned our journalists, it is fair to say our judges are not far behind. As a matter of fact, I am of the opinion that they promote more criminality in Jamaica than our journalists. A few years ago a man was accused of abusing a child over a two-year period. After presenting a character witness he walked from court with a suspended sentence. There are many occasions where judges seemingly 'side' with criminals, which is why Justice Panton might want to pick the beam out of his colleagues' eyes while pinpointing journalists.
Hero Scott
herocarlito@yahoo.com
Like the judge said... and them too
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The article carried by the Observer on December 14, entitled 'Judge accuses journalist of promoting criminality' was an interesting one.
To be very frank, I do have that same opinion as Judge Panton. I always say that there is a list of elements that contribute to Jamaica's problems, and journalists are on the list.
Media sensationalism sells newspapers, and I am not going to sit here and say Jamaica's journalists are the only ones doing that.
"We have a situation where media houses are, in my view, in many instances, encouraging criminality. Why do I say that? They promote individuals who may be suspect in criminal activities at a level which is unbecoming," said Justice Panton. For example, Vybz Kartel and the four other men are accused of murder and one would think that only Kartel is on trial. Every time you read about the case you only see "Kartel trial" and his photo, even though one can see that he's handcuffed with one of the other accused men. Why are the newspapers showing only Kartel's photo? I am no fan of his, but it is unfair to him that journalists in Jamaica are using this bad news to sell their papers.
I am no fan of the gay lifestyle either, but our journalists seem to get strength whenever news of gays are involved. You have to wonder if these journalist strive on negativity like Justice Panton mentioned. Our journalists are not only promoting criminality, but they are also hypocrites.
They are also responsible for the bad state of our football. They are so confused that they are writing positive things about our present JFF president even though it is crystal clear that the president is doing a bad job. None of them ever grill the president about his suspension by FIFA.
Our journalists are doing everything upside down. It is true that journalists are between a rock and a hard place, but that doesn't give them the right to write news just to sell newspapers or write news just to appeal to certain persons in society.
Even though I condemned our journalists, it is fair to say our judges are not far behind. As a matter of fact, I am of the opinion that they promote more criminality in Jamaica than our journalists. A few years ago a man was accused of abusing a child over a two-year period. After presenting a character witness he walked from court with a suspended sentence. There are many occasions where judges seemingly 'side' with criminals, which is why Justice Panton might want to pick the beam out of his colleagues' eyes while pinpointing journalists.
Hero Scott
herocarlito@yahoo.com
Like the judge said... and them too
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