That same “Freedom of Speech” applies to
the press, et al, or media as we call them today. I can tell you, I have made some rather
disparaging remarks about the quality of media news people and their
methodologies in gathering and reporting stories. There is, however, on thing I will never
relinquish; my belief in their right to do so openly and freely whether I like
their methods or attitudes, or not.
As an American expatriate now living in
Ukraine some seven years, there has been, and continues to be a newspaper which
emulates the American “free speech” ideal. That newspaper is the Kyiv
Post. I have long enjoyed its forthright
reporting and balanced journalistic approach to some incredibly sensitive and
problematic situations. The staff does
not bow before the administration and its minions of madness who want nothing
more than to silence them, if not turn them into “loyal subjects” like so many
of the other less ethical publications in the city. My expatriated friends all enjoy and look
forward to every week’s issue. We know
the stories will be legitimate, in-depth, accurate, balanced with facts and
most of all; honest.
Now we are faced with a serious issue; the
loss of this exceptional news vehicle. I have been privileged to write articles
for the paper, but I don’t write today for myself. Today, I write for the paper
and the people, the English speaking populace of Kyiv which has come to depend
on Kyiv Post for the information we all can read and understand, the insights on life, and the
facts about what is happening with the government, politics, business, the
European Union and the world. The loss
of this ability to me is unthinkable. To
me, it would be like “Paradise Lost,” an inestimable loss which could scarcely
be replaced, if ever.
Kyiv Post newspaper has been in existence
for longer than I have been involved with Ukraine, 13 years. It was the first real English language news
publication here (although Mike Willard and his late brother, Glen, published
the all English language “Ukrainian Observer” for some time). KP was always in front of everything, and I
always felt like I really was not informed if I did not get a weekly copy. Now we are looking at that not happening at
all in the very near future.
Mohammad Zahoor is to be applauded for his
investment of both faith and money in purchasing, and sustaining this great
publication. Thank you, Mr. Zahoor,
thank you very much. But now the onus
has fallen to us as the readers…we have to do our part, and we have to do it in
a very, very big way. We have to reach
into our pockets, all our pockets, and subscribe to keep this newpaper
printing…keep it bringing us the best of news, best of lifestyle, best of
business and best of what is happening in Ukraine. This is not some simple event..this is an
event that will be a mark in time if it is not met with a rousing support from
everyone reading it… and everyone who has read it.
I recently submitted a new article to Brian
Bonner while he was still chief editor.
It was in fact, entitled “Paradise Lost.” It was an article about the things I find
most odd about the Ukrainian culture and way of life as an expatriate
American. My ultimate muse was the fact
I hoped that Ukraine is not a submerging nation, but and emerging one..that is
is not “Paradise Lost,” but indeed “Paradise Found.”
Today, with this opinion piece, I am putting
forth the same idea to each and every reader…get online today, subscribe to
this great publication and let it not become “Paradise Lost,” but one we
continue to find and enjoy every week. I
know you will not regret it. I do
not…join me in subscribing.
Eric Gilliatt is an English language educator and business consultant
in Kyiv and a professor of business and tutor for the Edinburgh School
of Business. He may be contacted at [email protected] or [email protected].
