Journalist’s stories make inspiring read
Exposure of the truth shocked many, writes Graeme Barrow
Reporter: AMemoir BySeymourHersh, PenguinRandomhouse, $55, hardback
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This is an inspiring read by probably the greatest investigative journalist of our time, and possibly all time.
Hehaswonnumerous awards, the first being the Pulitzer Prize for his exposure of the massacre of civilians by American soldiers in Mai Lai, Vietnam.
Always passionate in his pursuit of the truth, and fearless in his exposure of wrongdoing by politicians, presidents, state departments, and large corporates, hiswritings have shocked Americans, angeredmanyof those exposed, but also mademanyfeel ashamed.
About 20 years agoNaom Chomsky, one of the world’s most respected intellectuals and writers, wrote a book called Rogue Nation. Tothe surprise ofmany Americans the nation wasthe United States. Calling it the biggest and worst imperialnation (Israelwasanother, thoughChomskyis Jewish), he cited themanyillegal and unjustified interferences in other countries— in Asia of course, but also Africa, theMiddle East, Chile, Bangladesh, the West Indies and Chile.
Hersh reported in detail onmost of these instances, and his investigative stories, which have never been refuted, makefor chilling reading, especially the slaughter of thousands of innocents in Cambodia.
Then there were the plans to assassinate Cuban leader Fidel Castro, Chilean president Allende, Noriega of Panamaand others. President Nixon and HenryKissenger are revealed as serial liars. Hersh sumsthemup—“They were operating ina democracy, guided by a constitution, andamonga citizenrywho held their leaders to a reasonable standard of morality and integrity. The dead andmaimedin Vietnam, Cambodia, Chile, Bangladesh, Biafra and theMiddle East seemednot to count.”