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VOICE MAIL

        Sir,

        (With reference to the Countdown — A message to the media) To me, that was a great editorial. I am surprised to see the so called big national level publications taking sides and doing injustice to the profession of journalism. I am of the strong opinion - every one has freedom to express as long as it does not transgress into some one else's community/social belief and more importantly one does not have the right to hurt anyone else's feelings.

        Here is a case of family members fighting in the street. The culprit is the person who started it not the person who reacted to it. I would include in this the works of M F Hussain and some artist in problem in Gujarat recently. Would these have survived if they were in Pakistan or Iran.

        See what happened to Salman Rushdie. It's indeed heartening to see bold and very unbiased writing and analysis such as yours; otherwise we are confused

        R N Iyer,

        Mathiazagan Nagar, Saligramam

        Sir,

        The Countdown (A message for the media) is indeed a good message for the media especially in Tamilnadu.The journalist fraternity's objectivity and self respect will be at stake if they fall prey to the charms of politicians and political-minded neo-rich. As regards the Madurai incident, the solidarity expressed by the media is so far so good. But the so-called affected media baron who is supposed to lead is not at all seen any where near the journalists' procession. Then for whose sake these slogan shoutings and courting arrests braving the mid-summer heat wave? If the two parties compromise soon, how can the media save its face ? As you have rightly felt, journalists should think twice before jumping into such actions.

        P V Krishna Rao,

        Chennai. (via email)

        Sir,

        The article about 'press freedom,' published on 15 May, Countdown in NewsToday is a thought provoking one and a timely reminder to the media on their role in protecting democracy.

        In these days of takeovers, the big powers have 'vicious' designs of controlling the fourth and most vital pillar of democracy. This is evident from our own CM's statement reminding the media that his government had handed out several concessions and freebies and they must reciprocate in return. This is a great shame for the media and politicians.

        Santhanam,

        Chennai.