Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Calling Mr. Murrow

Edward R. Murrow was a broadcaster for CBS radio and (later) television.  He first gained fame for his radio broadcasts during World War II, which were followed by millions of listeners in the United States.   However, Murrow is perhaps more well-known for later producing a series of TV reports that helped expose and discredit then-Senator Joseph McCarthy for his reckless, anti-communist rhetoric.

Murrow is still considered one of the greatest journalists ever, noted for his honesty and integrity in delivering the news.  Although he died in 1965 at age 57, he left us a lot of great phrases from which to quote.

One of Murrow's most famous quotes is, "A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves."  This takes on new meaning with the current 'fake news' epidemic on the internet -- but more on that another time.

Now take a look at the following quotes, all attributable to him, and ask yourself how much they fit now -- over 50 years later -- with our country's current state of affairs:

No one man can terrorize a whole nation unless we are all his accomplices.

Our major obligation is not to mistake slogans for solutions.

The obscure we see eventually. The completely obvious, it seems, takes longer.

We cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home.

We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. When the loyal opposition dies, I think the soul of America dies with it.

We will not walk in fear, one of another.

Good night, and good luck.

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