Journalists.
The people who are out and about, all over the world, witnessing events. Writing about these events, interviewing those who witnessed them. Gathering background information. Confirming story details. Crafting their stories about the events and people in our world. Then publishing those stories in the media - in print, in voice, in video, and online.
The freedom to report is enshrined in the first amendment to our US Constitution. It is also widely respected throughout much of the world as a necessary part of a healthy government. However, in certain areas, the press is seen as the enemy.
Certain governments try to restrict the flow of information to maintain their own power. When government breaks down, journalists can be at risk as can anyone in a war zone. Journalists can be targeted for violence in order to make statements - that their work isn't appreciated, that their work is not acceptable - that their work upsets the powers-that-be or the status quo.
At least 69 journalists died in the line of duty in 2009.
The Committee to Protect Journalists works to defend journalism, including documenting excellence in difficult places, and recording those journalists harmed and killed in their jobs.
Philippines, Somalia fuel record death toll gives the broad overview of journalism deaths and trends in this sad record-setting year. One single incident of clan-related election violence in the Phillipines killed between 12 and 25 journalists.
Reporters Without Borders is another organization for press freedom. They use a Press Freedom Barometer to track deaths (76), imprisonments (166) and even "cyberdissidents imprisoned (108).
The Newseum in Washington, D.C. has a Journalists Memorial, which you can visit when you are in our nation's capitol. There is also an online database.
The most recent journalist at risk that I noticed is Redha al-Basha, who is missing after yesterday's violence in Iran.
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I know that many of you dkos diarists are out there witnessing the events you write about. As a member of the Diary Rescue team, I see a lot of diaries. You're at rallies, meetings, hearings. A few of you are even posting from overseas during your travels and work in Africa.
However, most of the writing here at dailykos and around the blogosphere is based on reporting that someone else has done. Or we blog about the opinions of someone in traditional media. Or someone in the new media.
So when you are lifting a glass this week, lift one to the journalists that make our world a better place. And remember the risks they take to do the work they do.