The importance of Journalism Remembering Ruben Salazar

Posted: Saturday, September 04, 2010

by James Bond
http://www.jamesandjanka.com/

eft;">August marked the 40 th anniversary of the murder of one of Los Angeles' most influential journalists to date, Ruben Salazar. Mr. Salazar was murdered while taking a break from covering the National Chicano Moratorium March protesting the Vietnam War. Here in Southern California Mr. Salazar worked for two prominent papers, the Santa Rosa Democrat and the Los Angeles Times. A link to many of Ruben Salazar's powerful pieces can be found at the end of this article.

Sadly, many of the issues that Mr. Salazar boldly confronted and discussed have since his murder been used to divide rather than unite. Many of the same injustices he spoke of were repeated in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina and many similar infamous anniversaries were remembered in August surrounding that injustice. The aftermath of Katrina should be defined as an injustice because while nature set the stage for much of the destruction society inflicted much of the suffering that was experienced in the aftermath of that storm.

A similar storm is brewing in Southern California, Arizona, and many areas of the United States and the world. Abuse of authority and apathy of citizens are allowing vulnerable communities to be unfairly defined and exploited.

As Southern California faces a powerful recession and many Chicanos are becoming victims of unjust laws and practices I hope her citizens seek out true journalists. Journalists like Ruben Salazar that speak from the community, heart, and mind in a way that is both open and engaging.

National Chicano Moratorium March

Ruben's powerful pieces

James Bond lives in Southern California with his wife Janka and cat Wyatt. He works with a community college district as a coordinator of student activities. JamesandJanka also provide advice to couples on communication techniques and activities to increase intimacy in relationships.

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