by Katerina Nikolaidis, Brunswick Heads, Australia
I was born in the mid 70’s and spent the early years of my life in Greece. During that time, the military junta had just been thrown out of Greece, and the country was joyous and empowered – they had said no to fascism, no to dictatorship and yes to freedom of speech and democracy. Saying ‘no’ had cost many lives; many people had been killed and tortured. My father, a journalist, was one of those held in prison and tortured; luckily he survived and continued in his trade for the rest of his life. He would regularly write about the wrong-doings and the corruption that he saw in politics and the community, which would often leave some people feeling uncomfortable, but I remember as a child how amazing this was. I liked journalists: they told the truth and helped make the world a better place.
Fast forward a few years and I was living in Scotland. I was bewildered with what I saw on the shelves at the newsagents: page 3 girls, the tabloid press, and stories that seemed to be nothing but gossip. Journalism was a different beast (well, it was now actually a beast!), owned by big conglomerates that wanted to make more and more money by selling more and more gossip. When I moved to Australia in 2001, I realised that the same conglomerates operated here too, and sure, there were no topless women on page 3, but page after page I would read drama, gossip, hearsay, more gossip, etc.
I was disappointed with what I saw and what I read, but I knew that there were still journalists out there who were sincere and who would report on what was really going on. It was a BBC correspondent who exposed the mass genocide of the Tutsis in Rwanda, so much so that the international community could no longer turn a blind eye to what was going on. In earlier years, an Australian journalist told the world about Pol Pot’s regime and what it had done to the Cambodian people. And there were others; journalists who cared for humanity more than a fat pay cheque.
In today’s times, in the developed world we may not live under a dictatorship or a fascist regime, and there may not be mass genocide happening to the degree that it took place in Rwanda or Cambodia. But that doesn’t mean that humanity is suffering less. It simply means that the pervasive corruption is more subtle and more hidden.
When a group of people is being harassed and derided for their spiritual beliefs and ways of living, when a hate-campaign via the internet and mainstream media is incited against them, then this is also persecution. It shows us how, sadly, humanity hasn’t changed, and that some individuals will still incite hatred towards another group of people. But worse, it also shows us how this kind of behaviour is now accepted.
This is what has been demonstrated with the hate campaign targeted at Universal Medicine and Serge Benhayon. A small group of people, angry at Universal Medicine because of their own relationship issues (for which they don’t want to take any responsibility), have been hiding behind anonymity and pseudonyms – instigating a hate campaign via the internet. And the mainstream media has also been running with this, commissioning some of the hate-mongers on their payroll in order to get a story that will be good gossip and will sell. But this is not idle gossip. It is much more insidious than that: It is actively inciting a witch-hunt against a group of people because of their spiritual beliefs and way of life.
So those journalists out there who still have integrity and who still do what they do because they want to make the world a better place, I’m asking the following questions:
- Is humanity so dumbed down that it has to take mass slaughter before there is an outcry to stop a witch-hunt?
- Is fascism not tolerated only when it comes knocking on your own doorstep and threatens your freedom?
All it takes is one journalist to seize the opportunity and tell the truth. When that happens, it will have the potential to ‘turn the tide’ and show us all the true power and potential that a journalist holds.
You may think I’m being a bit too simple and naïve. I beg to differ. I feel we have become deeply ‘given up’, so much so that this can appear naïve. We’ve developed coping mechanisms, dare I say it, even a cynicism, so that we just accept the corruption that we see around us. Deep down we know it doesn’t feel right, but we don’t think we can make it any different, so it’s less distressing if we just accept it so that it becomes ‘normal’. That way we can just get on with our lives and hope that at least ‘I’ll be OK’.
But deep down this aches us, because we know that it’s not right. Underneath all the cynicism, the muck and all the giving up, we all hold something very precious in common: our love for humanity and a longing to make the world a better place. And yes, in our times, this may sound like a cliché. But I feel it’s the truth.
The Truth about Universal Medicine 
“In today’s times, in the developed world we may not live under a dictatorship or a fascist regime, and there may not be mass genocide happening to the degree that it took place in Rwanda or Cambodia. But that doesn’t mean that humanity is suffering less. It simply means that the pervasive corruption is more subtle and more hidden”. I would absolutely agree with this statement. In the past I was not awake to the first rumblings of societal disharmony but now I am much more aware and see it in the smallest of exchanges and the way systems work. I recently visited Cambodia and went to the interrogation prison. I could see that the same patterns of abuse, control and vilification have repeated over and over again in history. I also was directed to read the steps towards genocide. It starts with small things, allowing groups to be treated as less, snide remarks about their differences. This is where it all begins and where we need to say no to this behaviour before it escalates.
I saw a media report yesterday on how the media have reported on a man arrested on particular charges, for which later got dropped. The media however based their story on the arrest, placed his photo all over their publications and TV screens and combined it with rather sensational headlines – none of which were true. The problem with this is that the media do not consider this approach to the way they tell their stories as harmful, when it is very harmful to the person. It is seen as a right to bring news to the people. But how is news being brought to the people when judgment hate and vilification is being incited? We may say that it is our responsibility on what news we consume and how we consume it. Whilst this is true there is also responsibility on how something is reported. Responsibility is all round.
The pen is mightier than the sword only when it cuts through the lies and serves up undiluted, the whole untainted truth. Unfortunately it is also the case that many ‘poisoned pens’ have worked diligently to veil such truth from the eyes of many so that the lies of a few gain traction.
The focus on wrongdoing of politics still assumes that there is nothing intrinsically wrong about politics in the modern format.
Great Katerina, journalism is taking us away from our divine essences and we are not asking for the truth! So why would we not want to live in the natural fire from with-in, that essence that is always ignited and warming our whole being. And at present journalism is not closing the door where evil dwells or in other-words our controlling-spirit needs to be understood for what and where it leaves openings to quench our fiery essence. Thus accountability on every level has to be considered other-wise our spirit will keep the status quo.
For it is much easier to accept the corruption and lies than it is to look at our lives with an honest eye and discern how we are contributing to it.
It is very very well said here in this article, that one way we all can go in to a protection for ourselves and our loved ones is to just make sure that our own private world of activity and personal life in general is ‘ok’. And, this is a reflection essentially of how dis-empowered a person can feel, when there is so much corruption, lack of integrity, and violence happening. And I agree that it can seem like a safe and sensible place to go to, where your own personal needs and those of your family are individually met. But, I also whole heartedly wonder how much this does leave behind everyone else, all of those who may be suffering and/or experiencing all of that which is being avoided. And so the question is, how can we leave behind our fellow human kind to suffer and or endure and, just because we are not personally suffering or enduring the same, does this mean that we are living without it?
Yes as readers and receivers of information we have a lot to say about what is then going to be printed and broadcasted. If we don’t read or buy the newspapers then it won’t sell. So, in the end, we have the power to change it. The local newspaper where I live has started to put in alcohol ads in the newspapers which I find completely disgraceful since they will be read by people of all ages and I don’t want children to grow up thinking that this is normal. I don’t and wouldn’t even consider, spend my money buying the newspaper, and I don’t read it either. If we all took a stand like this then what would be printed would be what we as an audience says is acceptable. Unfortunately, we still want to be entertained so we’ll get what we ask for. I’ll hope we get to our senses in time though.
As well as some journalist overriding what is true for what sells because they are after a ‘fat pay cheque’, I would add that we also need journalists who can resist the temptation to succumb to the desire of all the ‘glittering crumbs’ that the recognition they may hunger for, promises to deliver. For if these crumbs are ingested, then all semblance of decency and humanness gets left well behind.
Decency, Respect-full-ness and a deep Humble-Appreciate-Ness should be a paramount obligation for all journalistic pursuits! To be Humble is to; Being the base we use to overcome the spirit and become Soul-Full; So the spirit feels the truth of the soul.
Journalism has become a mouthpiece for the bottom line, for what sells more copies than your competition, no matter the cost, for sensationalism before the public interest; journalism is serving the lowest common denominator or the elite and either way, it has sold out.
“But deep down this aches us, because we know that it’s not right.” so so true – hence why there is so much pain, illness and disease….
It’s not the religions that are the true cause of our difficulties in life, but the way we treat each other’s difference. We tolerate and ignore or attack and abhor. Either approach just keeps us miles apart. What would the world be like if we truly cultivated the art of questioning and discussing with openness? It seems to me it would cut the chord on so much hate, anger and recklessness. Thank you Katerina!
I agree. The fact that we are needing so much stimulating and numbing devices to go through our day/life is a proof that there is angst and unsettlement we are feeling deep inside us, that what we have come to accept is nowhere near how we truly want to live or what we would like to have in our life.
What I find interesting is that journalists typically stay away from exposing other journalists – perhaps the retaliation would be too fierce or they would then worry about exposure themselves. It is an interesting trade.
A willingness to at least look at truth is a start, we may have to feel a little un-comfortable in the process.
Yes clearly there needs to be a major shake-up in the media, the level of corruption and greed runs deep affecting millions of people’s lives every day. Great to begin the exposure of this corrupt industry to support people to become accountable.
‘All it takes is one journalist to seize the opportunity and tell the truth. When that happens, it will have the potential to ‘turn the tide’ and show us all the true power and potential that a journalist holds.’ If journalists realised how much power the truth holds, every paper would be sold out if they published articles based on the truth,
I am not sure – truth may not sell that well at the moment. Would it be too confronting?
Truth does not sell so well in a ‘house of lies’ as it questions the very foundation such a structure is built upon and thus it exposes how we each have contributed to such a monstrosity. The sad truth here is that we are fed the lies because it is what we demand. If we are all standing at the candy counter waiting for chocolate, we are not going to be overly impressed when we are offered an apple.
We can smell the truth but the stench of the lies at this point of time has tainted our ability to sense what is true.
It is true Katerina, of that I have no doubt. Our nature is to be love and love one another. But as things stand, where there is a demand for a product there is invariably someone to meet that demand. Yes, journalism as an industry has a massive responsibility for what it writes, but so do those who blindly read what they write without discerning whether it is true, partially true, biased or simply made up. When humanity demands ‘nothing but the truth’, then perhaps that is what we will get.
Where are the journalists with integrity? Have the conglomerates made it so challenging for their articles to be put to print that we just don’t have access to them anymore? Or are we as a society not demanding integrity in journalism?
The media get away with feeding us false misinformation because at some level within ourselves we do not really want to know the pure corruption that is going on in the world. The more we open up to knowing the truth of what we are allowing by pretending that life is other than how it is the quicker we will have a media that brings truth and not misinformation and lies.
Beautifully written Katerina , journalist have a great opportunity to support the growth of humanity
If you happen to have experienced to live under a dictatorship, you know how amazing is to have journalists that tell you truth no matter what and how courageous that is since these are realities that operate parallel to it and make sure that truth does not circulate too widely. We all remember also exemplary journalists that brought truth to the attention of people in democratic settings and caused major political earthquakes. Unfortunately, not all journalists uphold truth equally. The truth is that there are many ways to make a career within journalism and integrity is not a necessary ingredient in all of them.
Thank you for your worldly expression and wealth of knowledge on journalism. I found this article enthralling, what really struck me is how you are speaking without any energy of defence or outrage but more calling for more love. This is still so relevant some 5 years later, as it speaks to all corruption, it is not personal to this case.
“there were others; journalists who cared for humanity more than a fat pay cheque.” It is also the responsibility of the readers and consumers of what is presented by the media to call for the truth and not accept the lack of integrity that is obvious in much of current so-called journalism.
Inspiring read Katerina – well worded and lovingly expressed. I would love to see and read an article from a journalist (or you – maybe me?!) about your questions – “Is humanity so dumbed down that it has to take mass slaughter before there is an outcry to stop a witch-hunt?” and “Is fascism not tolerated only when it comes knocking on your own doorstep and threatens your freedom?”
As you say we all have the potential to turn the tide and, to add to that, when we feel something is not right we are actually empowered then and there (equiped) to deal with it. That is positive and energetic fact ..
Great call Katerina! We need to realise that we all have a voice, especially today with the internet and social media, but also through where we spend our money, what conversations we choose to have, whom we befriend, etc. we have a say and we have a power to change things, but are we going for it? Or do we give up and stay complacent in the face of the horrible things that are happening all around us.
Journalists serve the people, they consume what they produce. The question is what exactly is the service they provide? Is it delivering truth? Is it about confirming that life is about right and wrong? Is it entertainment? What is it? What is it that the people demand from journalists? That is another question to be asked. Is it a true demand for truth? Not to take any inch of responsibility off the journalists’ shoulders but to see the big picture.
Well said Katerina ‘All it takes is one journalist to seize the opportunity and tell the truth. When that happens, it will have the potential to ‘turn the tide’ and show us all the true power and potential that a journalist holds.’ I look forward to this day, in the meantime if we all deepen our responsibility to expressing truth in all areas of our lives, we know there is a powerful flow-on effect that is felt by others.
Today journalists complain that their industry is under pressure from the advent of social media, and the proliferation of false news that contaminates it. Rather than complain however, they would be wise to realise that there is a niche that has developed for true quality journalism. People are craving for it and will continue to do so as the world gets consumed by misinformation. Thus the integrity of journalism is now more important than ever before.
It is naive to think you can have a system of accountability that in itself does not need to be held accountable – and yet this is the view of the press, the called 4th estate that is there to hold the world of governance, politics, and business to account. And yet, it is in itself subject to the same forces of corruption that contaminate that which it seeks to expose. And thus, accountability is in truth a very important aspect of the freedom of the press, for it is accountability that restores faith in what we are reading. Today we are engaged in one of the great freedom of speech experiments in history, and in the future, this age will be looked back on as the age of misinformation – the root cause of which was the mis-shapen ideal that freedom of speech could only be maintained by ensuring that there was no accountability for what one said. Such a world, however, fosters not so much a renaissance of thought as it does a world of propaganda and abuse, whereby the loudest voice wins, whilst the quiet voice of reason or contemplation often lost amidst the haste and noise of sensationalism.
Accountability, Decency, Respect-full-ness and a deep Humble-Appreciate-Ness should be a paramount obligation for all journalistic pursuits!
Thank you Katerina for the reminder about the true heart of journalism – it has the potential to serve humanity well.
What an invite to the journalist who holds humanity with the grace, love and understanding that each person deserves. If that is you, please do not hold back from printing the truth of what Universal Medicine offers to our world.
Much called for Katerina, journalism with integrity
Hear hear to all you have written here Katerina. Blind are those who refuse to see the love that we are and the abuse we accept in its place when this love is not lived.
It’s such a shame that some journalists jump on a story that can be seen to bring someone down and have no discernment about the actual truth of that story. Nor do they bother to really find out what is going on they just run with something they think will keep them their job or even worse elevate them at the expense of others. I feel it is correct to expose their activity otherwise we are by silence saying we are accepting such malpractice.
Well shared Katrina, to many people have been hiding and been living in a given up energy, its time everyone started to see whats really happening when people don’t speak. We allow corruption in every areas of life and it is so obvious in the journalism field as they are writing stories which are not even true as well as just focusing on a healthy pay cheque.
Many of us may not even consider ourselves as having given up in life. We may be in well paid jobs and live comfortable lives, doing our best in life, but nevertheless there is a difference between being given up on doing something and given up truth. Most of us gave up on having a true society long ago, and this never gets anyone anywhere, it just creates a society of people where self interest is the dominating impulse.
Good point – generally, people have given up and wallow in their uncomfortable comfort, hanging out for the next drink, holiday or day off while everyday life is boring and routine if it were not for the odd bit of excitement and otherwise ceaseless raciness.
As you so beautifully shared with us Katerina there are definitely journalists in the profession who care far more ‘for humanity than a fat pay cheque’ and in this digital age they are not only worth absolute gold to us but the integrity and commitment with which they share the facts and truth with us needs to be deeply appreciated. I for one would like to hear far more from them than the mere gossip, innuendo, exaggerations and bias being shared in all the empty stories that presently shadows the majority of our news.
And here we are again at another time in history, the same behaviours playing out aloud and not so loud. We bury our heads in the sand, and let the media be complicit to our own choice — to be small, fenced up in our protection from what may be the ramification of standing up to corruption, to all that is not of Love or Truth in the world we are a part of. In doing so, we fence ourselves up from ourselves and from humanity — and the suffering, dysfunctional way of living and the rot of the media continues.
More often than not we celebrate the unsung hero of the time, the members of the resistance party, those who are prepared to die for truth. We celebrate those that stand in the face of the odds in those times of history when all else is bleak.But as a very wise lady once shared with me who played a very active role in the Resistance to the Nazis in France, even back then most people stayed in the recluse of their homes and shut their blinds and their eyes to what was really going on. For most people life was as it was and they went about their day, looking after their own business… it was a very small number that actually stood up to the Nazis and to the evil of Hitler’s reign.
And yet all along, we deeply within us, long for truth because innately we know truth.
A journalist has so much potential power in their fingertips. The keyboard can be the sword of truth or conversely, as we sadly see so much today, a weapon of undermining and manipulation. Journalism has been corrupted from the inside, and from the masses at large that choose it because the distortion that’s reported and that fills up our media keeps feeding the lie we have created for ourselves.
Thank you for sharing something with both heart and substance… Your writing is like that of a true journalist…. something the world is sorely missing. We all suffer when there is corruption in the media and the first step to journalistic integrity and truth being told, is for its lack to be exposed like you have here.
We’ve pretty much created a world where we get our connection to what is true beaten out of us when we are young…. Cynicism is rife. One generation offloading its hurt at having walked away from the truth it has known, to the next generation. But the thing is, our innate knowing can never truly be beaten out of us, we can never lose it. We can bury it and forget about it but it is always there waiting to be activated when we are ready. A journalist’s role ought to be to inspire that remembering, to inspire the universal truth we all share and we all come from to arise and be known.
Katerina I loved reading about your father and the integrity with which he wrote. This blog exposes the lack of integrity which appears to be lacking in the media and with the majority of journalists of today. The medias often biased, un-investigated and sensationalised way of reporting is no less harmful than that of the cyber-bullying that goes on on the internet. “All it takes is one journalist to seize the opportunity and tell the truth. When that happens, it will have the potential to ‘turn the tide’ and show us all the true power and potential that a journalist holds”.
A great piece Katerina from one who actually has experienced what true media feels and looks like first hand. All that is not true and being proposed as truth most definitely does ‘ache’ us all as though we may turn a blind eye and say “its not about me”, we definitely feel that all is not right and in fact the turning of a blind eye tells us so loud and clear.
A brilliant expose on the media today Katerina.
This line stood out for me today – “But that doesn’t mean that humanity is suffering less. It simply means that the pervasive corruption is more subtle and more hidden.” Having read on social media and in the Guardian today that the Vatican says that Catholic bishops are not obliged to alert the police of clerical child abuse – more secrecy – more corruption. This is not acceptable.
A brilliant article Katerina that exposes how many journalists have rejected the truth in favour of drama and sensationalist stories. I have been shocked at the lack of integrity by journalists to print absolute lies and present an unbalanced story. I feel the greater responsibility we all have to call out this behaviour in the media, for too long we have turned a blind eye to this corruption and accepted it as the norm, a norm that is deeply harming to humanity.
“All it takes is one journalist to seize the opportunity and tell the truth. When that happens, it will have the potential to ‘turn the tide’ and show us all the true power and potential that a journalist holds.” We do not need the label of ‘journalist’ to seize the opportunity and tell the truth, the students of Universal Medicine are ‘turning the tide’ and showing the true power and potential of speaking out together to tell the truth,
Setting out to incite a witch-hunt against a group of people because of their spiritual beliefs and way of life is indeed persecution. That as a society we believe this is OK, tolerable, normal even, shows just how far we have departed from true acceptance of what humanity really stands for and our part in it. It only takes a set of circumstances to shift persecution into genocide – and we’ve seen this repeated too many times throughout history. Seems we are still too arrogant and self-absorbed to learn from it though, Even now.
Katerina, your closing statement is so true. I am hard pressed to think of a person who doesn’t deep down inside care about humanity and the state of the world, no matter the coping mechanisms being used. This call for a deeper level of care in all areas of life, including in the written world of journalism is so needed. As it is only when we give ourselves and each other permission to say that things are not right and to have open discussions about it, that things can begin to change.
Katerina your words are clearly spoken for and from a Love of humanity and you speak for everyone in that we all do want the world to be a better place. It will require each one of us to tell the Truth and stop hiding behind lies (and that includes ‘acceptable’ ways of living) to effect any real change.
Deeply insightful Katerina.
Corruption needs many different mechanisms to operate effectively, to a point that it seems unnoticeable.
As you say first we need a dulling and numbing effect of the masses.
Redefine what it is to be you. Create rules that set an individual to play by to get through in life, if that be a career, study or business ventures. Everything in life is geared to promote the individual to excel in life. The problem with this is that there can be no true success if we all don’t grow together.
A brilliant blog to read Katerina, thank you. It seems that journalism, if not representing the truth of a story, can become like entertainment news for those who prefer writing sensational stories in order to get readership. I am reminded to not always believe what I have read, but to discern the content.
Katerina your shared insights into the world of journalism in Greece and your fathers work has provided a very strong reflection for the corruption of today’s media to be measured against. The lust for money and personal gain by today’s media (even if lives are ruined in the process of publishing lie based sensationalism) is a very polluted shadow of the true integrity and service journalism can be.
To be conscious about corruption affords a deep level of honesty with oneself that goes beyond the norms. That’s why I cherish so much the work of Universal Medicine: because people set a new norm, one that is truly healthy.
It is true about how lost journalism seems to be on the most part. It is also true how many people want to make the world a better place and this is part of the problem, it all needs to be deconstructed and started again from the intent of making it about love. The saying ‘you can’t polish a terd’ comes to mind, no amount of ‘good’ can make it better.
I would encourage any journalist who has read this blog and comments to come and really feel what Universl Medicine represents and has to offer and report accordingly
A very clear message of how truth will stand out as much as the hurt of lies expressed can be felt. Like you share Katerina ‘It only takes one journalist to seize the opportunity and tell the truth. Now that would be worth reading.
Well said Katerina, ‘Underneath all the cynicism, the muck and all the giving up, we all hold something very precious in common: our love for humanity and a longing to make the world a better place.’
I do feel it would be possible to turn the tide of journalism, and the call for this needs to come from humanity. We have become addicted to drama driven sensationalism and pitting people against each other for an outcome. Competition and comparison are rife and the stakes are high in the businesses that run the media to retain control and high sales. To fill a newspaper with the truth for one day would be a very sobering event, and probably cause a fast downturn in sales, but this would be the beginning of the healing that is so required within our current media landscape.
Katerina, this is the most powerful piece of journalism I have read in some time. Oh how I wish it could be printed in the press – it is ‘big’ news you report on and its message needs to be shouted from the rooftops. Because, like you have nailed, deep down, the lies and corruption hurt us and we don’t like it but don’t know where to go to express this – it becomes a hurt and gets buried. But by expressing as you have, you have shown us a way to voice our concerns, to be the journalist. We don’t need to be investigative journalists on this one because we already have the evidence – the truth sits in us – we know what is wrong or right and we need to take up your call and understand “… we all hold something very precious in common: our love for humanity and a longing to make the world a better place.” Thank you for your enormous contribution to making the world a better place by writing this article.
I agree Gina, this piece of writing should be published on Huffington Post and other online news sites. People need to start becoming aware of what’s happening in journalism and talking about it.
Such powerful questions asked here – and the potential to be game-changing if they were to be truly answered by not only those who persecute but also those who turn a convenient blind eye. This issue will not go away until we all take responsibility for the world we’re living in.
Journalism has come along way from presenting objectively and offering us both sides of the story to nowadays writing what ever will sell papers without much care as to who this may affect.. As well as the journalists taking responsibility we also need to be responsible as we continue to buy magazines/papers etc with sensationalized stories so to keep us distracted from what is actually going on around us. So yes Katerina bring on the journalists like your father that will be honest, reflecting truth or at least giving us two sides of a story.
I agree there has been a lot of giving up and hiding, like you say there are true journalists out there and they just need to come out and start to speak the truth. Not hide until they become the victim and to speak up. The bullies that are out there are not going to stop for anyone, until humanity starts to stand up for truth and start exposing the lies. The more we all stand up the stronger we become and easier it will be for true journalism to be shared.
Thank you Katerina beautifully written and exposing the lethargy we have all been in , your story of your father and torture hits home , but what have we if we are not living in truth and holding back a way of living that is heart felt. To ignore lies, corruption and evil is to step aside and allow it to contaminate all of us as we are all connected .
And therein lies another form of torture that we say yes to in tacit acceptance of the corruption that is around. It may not be a physical form of torture, but what about what is going on within us? When we walk away from love and truth, not having stood up for it, we are actually walking away from all that we hold dear, and this is a massive tormenting hurt to carry with us every single day.
I am with you 100%. I know many journalists who still believe their role in the world is to reflect truth with integrity and honesty. If we as the consumers of media set a standard for what we will accept then we will raise the bar. “The standard we walk by is the standard we accept”. It is for us – each and every one of us, to not walk by but to live what we want to see in the world.
Great blog Katerina, written in response to the outrageous conduct of a man who laid claims to being a journalist and “man of the cloth”. Your reflections on your father, a journalist who represented truth, even at great personal cost, really illustrate the degeneracy of the press in our nation – one that basks in great comfort, unthreatened by brutally oppressive regimes, juntas, or fascist dictatorships. In spite of our relative comfort on a world scale of horror, there is still, and always a need for truth. Yet we have journalists who trade in sensation and the spreading of convenient lies that sell and make reputations. This is a matter of disgrace, especially so when bullies are sighted as sources and people who could tell a great story are overlooked. This happens all too often; Universal Medicine is but one example of a press that is out of control.
Thank you Katerina, this is beautifully written, highlighting the state of flux journalism appears to be in. Personal agendas and bias seem to be the undercurrent tone in many tabloid articles these days, instead of simply presenting the facts.
Yes, Katerina, beautifully and succinctly expressed. Your experiences are felt to be true by the many hundreds who choose to comment on these blogs.
It is about choice and protecting the freedom to choose what is felt to be truth in the myriad of people and organizations proposing to offer enlightenment, change and success in life. Tarnishing the reputation of Universal Medicine attempts to delay people from receiving the purity and gold that is on offer.
If one man like Serge Benhayon can turn the tide for thousands of lives, with no advertising, what could a journalist with the power to reach millions achieve if they wrote about truth over gossip and profit? The power of our choices to change and not just accept what is before us is massive and all it takes is again a choice to entertain these questions to share Katerina.
You are spot on Leigh – the responsibility that lies in the hands of journalists is immense and we have to ask them to be accountable for their behaviour by not paying for anything less than that quality.
And even in the free newspapers I have seen a section of ‘readers comments’. In the past I have thought it not worth putting a comment forward but is that then not me saying that what is published – paid for or free – is acceptable? What would happen if we did start making these comments saying that low journalism standards are not acceptable? I could pretend that ‘little ol’ me’ doesn’t make a difference but without the number of voices there is no weight, and holding back my voice supports the ‘stay silent and ignore the abuse’ stance.
You have posed an awesome question here Leigh. Also, can we as a humanity accept our part in going with the decline of true journalism without a squeak of protest?
I am beginning to understand more and more how the responsibility lies with all of us, as, by turning a blind eye, (As long as it is not happening to me it is not happening) we are all equally responsible for the mess journalism is now in.
So clearly and beautifully expressed Katerina – we do all need to claim our truth and not sit idly by allowing such discord to continue in our society. We have been inclined to think that if we were OK we could shield ourselves from what can ultimately destroy our true sense of integrity and truth if we are not prepared to take responsibility and speak up.
Beautiful how you call out cynicism here Katerina. It feels like we all know intimately that the way we live in the world today is not right and that our news is skewed towards a certain point of view, rather than the truth. The only way for us to move clear of this cynical way of life is to speak up and honour what simply does not feel right.
Absolutely Joseph. When anyone of us writes truth, letting it all be seen as clear as day, then this has a powerful ripple effect that many of us don’t even realise. Just consider, amongst all the muck that is written, to read a heart-felt gem that speaks to people truly, what that can do. It can turn the apathy that has plagued our societies on its head. It can let people feel met for who they are and for what has always been dear to them. There is so much that can be done, so much power, when we write truth. So let’s go for it!! 🙂
Katerina yes it’s so powerful when we write truth. Truth is not held in the constraints of time and can instantly wipe out what is false.
What a beautiful and insightful article that articulates with great truth the slow degradation we have seen of many modern day journalists’ integrity. Today to write and sell a story that has not an ounce of truth within it is common place. But as you say Katerina, it is we the people who all deep down know this is not acceptable and it is we that have the role to call this behaviour out, not accept less and set the standard for the type of news stories that celebrate rather than devastate.
Katerina, this is a wonderful blog which I wish would be published in a mainstream newspaper for others to read. I agree that despite gossip and sloppy journalism commonly being used to sell newspapers, most people would love to feel they could trust what they read and so would prefer to know that the journalist behind the story had done their upmost to research and present an accurate story. If that were to happen, Universal Medicine would offer any journalist an amazing story to write about.
I agree Gilesch, putting articles like this out into mainstream media would leave an imprint that others could learn from. People certainly would love to feel that they could trust the press to deliver the truth and it is very unfortunate that it has become another area that humanity buys into but doesn’t really trust, further fuelling the lies that we live in. It is also very true that if a journalist chose to research and present an accurate story, they would have a whole series to write about Universal Medicine, bringing groundbreaking truth to a media so lacking in integrity.
Katerina, indeed we have all developed coping mechanisms to escape feeling the mess we are in/have created. Ironically, these coping mechanisms are the very behaviours that are deepening our mess. And I agree that the label ‘naive’ is used by people who have deeply given up on there being another way. Thankfully Serge Benhayon, through Universal Medicine has shown us the True way forward out of this mess. The way is Love.
A powerful call for truth and exposure of the corruption we have allowed to hide in plain sight.
Katerina I love your writing and I agree with you wholeheartedly. this is the true power of journalism. I love how you speak of your father. It inspires me to write.
We have all witnessed the extremes of humanity over the past, it seems the more brutal the attacks are towards each other is the only time we take action. It only scratches the surface of what is really happening, whats damaging is the continuous dismissal of each other in everyday life that leads to these genocides that don’t just randomly happen but we have allowed to happen.
True Jaime, it starts with the most minor, little dynamics,with ourselves and others but these are exactly the same as the reflection of the greater ones at play, where people are continually undermined, bullied and dismissed – especially if they have had the courage to speak out for what is not true.. it is time for a groundswell of change so that we can never to back to this kind of corruption of the past.
Dear Katerina, you are so spot on. We all carry that love for humanity and we are all carried by that love for humanity, that is so much bigger than us. We do make a change.
Well said Katerina. We all have a responsibility to speak out when we read or hear stories in the media that we know are not true. One voice speaking out is easily lost in the fog of silence surrounding them, but many voices speaking out together and supporting each other is heard by many and can stop the slide into accepting unfounded gossip and lies as the norm.
I agree Mary, not only the norm but head-line, grabbing, science fiction painted over as fact!
What strikes me is that we are never unconnected to one another so one voice may not see others around and may not be a single voice at all but supporting others speaking out across the globe.
Absolutely Mary – when many voices speak out together in truth, we have the power to support not only each other, but our whole community to say no to what is not true and to reclaim the truth we all innately feel and know deep within.
We have a responsibility to speak up and express what we know is true always Mary, not just when we see the media printing lies but in our every day lives. Perhaps back in the 70’s when I was very little (a baby in fact) speaking up against corruption and abuse might have seemed ‘easier’ because the repercussions of not doing so were more blatant. The fascist regime meant hideous consequences. And yet even back then so few did speak up. Most would stay in the comfort of their own homes, shut the doors and block out the world and the suffering going on. And today we see the consequences of that hiding and silence, as so many of us are deeply disconnected, having settled for a life of stimulation and relief to alleviate the daily stress and onslaught our bodies go through every day. I see it in the eyes of my fellow commuters on the train and in passers-by, their eyes vacant of their true shine, and their essence and natural beauty smothered underneath the walls of protection… thickened over eons of time as so few of us have chosen to stop and speak in the innocence and knowing that we all had as the young children we once were and brightly say – ‘hey, I see you underneath that cement wall you’ve put up and I know the beauty you truly are. That’s what I want to see when you walk and when you talk, let the world truly see, let the world truly see the real you.’
Katerina, beautifully written. I to feel that the give up and keep my head down, so at least I will be all right is definitely the pattern I had chosen to make my way through life. Yet at the same time, I too have felt the ache to step up and speak out against what I see and feel is going on. I am now progressively exposing this pattern within me, observing the many messages that I have allowed my mind to fill me with to hold me back from speaking out, and yes I have begun to speak up. Doing this feels more amazing in my body than any erroneous thought to stop me does.
It truly is amazing Leigh when we express ourselves in full, not holding our love back, letting ourselves be seen fully naked in the truth we know and feel. I’ve realised that when we do this, we could die tomorrow, there is no regret when we express all of our love. We feel no rejection even if another doesn’t agree with it, turns its back on us, whatever it may be. We feel full, having expressed God’s love on the earthly plane.
So simply put Katerina Nikolaidis and not naïve at all – I also feel that it is deeply true that we do share a common ground in “our love for humanity and a longing to make the world a better place”. It actually does not have to be some ‘ideal’ or ‘dream’ – the better world is actually a world of Truth. By sharing your writing here, you are a living example of making the world a place of truth and living this love for humanity.
You have reached the heart of this issue of irresponsibility in journalism Katerina and I can feel your experience and the commitment to truth in your words. What we see in the media, is what we live in our homes and daily lives. Expressing truth is Serge Benhayon’s consistent message. This is what incites the hatred and this is what your father did and we must continue to do, because it disturbs the self interest and corruption that has become imbedded in our world today.There is another way! That way is our continued commitment to expressing truth.
And expressing this truth is the most beautiful and joyful thing to do and do again and again and again. I knew this as a little girl and I know this again now as a woman surrounded by many many more who will not back down in the face of lies and outright evil but will call out the truth from the rooftops of the power and authority they hold. To me this is the only way we can truly live.
Thank you Katerina. It’s shocking the difference with the press around the world. In countries that are oppressed, journalists risk their lives and that of their families to find out and tell the truth for all. There is no self interest in this – very much like your Dad. In countries such as Australia, the truth in stories that needs’ to be told get’s burred under mountains of waffle and celebrity self-interest. Often it’s something dire that’s happened in our communities that produces anything close to what needs to be told. This need to be re-discovered for the true benefits of our communities.
Thank you Katerina, I love the simple way you have expressed the truth in this article.
Katerina so well said. I would not describe what you have expressed as ” simple and naive” , but very truthful and it resonate with me deeply too. You have highlighted a path that as humans we can “give up” on and be bought out by. Allowing our essence to be diluted and compromised. The disconnect of this is harming and leads down the path of disharmony.
“big conglomerates that wanted to make more and more money by selling more and more gossip” That is what a large proportion of the media has become about, selling gossip, we have a celebrity obsessed culture whereby we sell media so that the stories you read are not about truth or fact but about how many copies you can flog. A great example springs to mind of the Private Eye magazine that dismissed truth about Universal Medicine because it was funnier (to them) to write a ‘crazy’ story that was in line with their humorous style. This is defended as freedom of speech when in fact it is freedom to breach and has no relation to reporting the facts and letting the public decide. Great writing Katerina.
‘Underneath all the cynicism, the muck and all the giving up, we all hold something very precious in common: our love for humanity and a longing to make the world a better place. And yes, in our times, this may sound like a cliché. But I feel it’s the truth.’ – I agree, I feel this to be true as well but we as a society have become so disillusioned that we have given up. We no longer believe or care to feel that we do indeed all make a difference but it is when we stand up for truth that astonishing changes happen. I look forward for the day that a journalist thoroughly researches and reports the truth about Universal Medicine.
Delightful Katerina what a powerful blog. Your sharing showed us about what true journalism is capable off. If I was a journalist like Jane Hanson I would be ashamed with only spreading lies again and again and again. Jane Hanson I am sorry but you are not a hero.
Yes, esteraltmiks I totally agree with you. Honourable behaviour and a respect for her trade and responsibility seem to be missing with Jane Hansen. There was is and is still the opportunity to yield true power through her profession, but what seems to have been chosen instead, is brute force, melodrama and victimhood.
Brilliant blog. There is a lot to be said for our current acceptance of corruption and shoddy journalism. What’s also going on with media and journalism watchdogs that’s allowed standards to sink so low? Is accountability now absent from every sphere? It was so interesting to read your experience of journalism growing up, as mine is exactly how it is today. To be able to read your story and feel how it highlights where journalism could be has had a profound effect on me.
Katerina, great blog in calling out for truth, as you say there is no true service in spreading lies.
While there is a huge giving up with the hope for true journalism to exist nowadays it is fantastic sites like “the facts” page have been set up to support Universal Medicine and to debunk all the lies that have been printed. It is the beginning of people speaking out against the lies the media and Internet have enabled. People are well aware of the corruption and lies within the media, now those voices need to be heard and change implemented instead of being complacent and accepting this is how it is. I no longer buy a paper as I used to in my workplace and many colleagues did the same. We chose not to support a business that profited from lies and deception. We all need to do this to send a message that we expect non bias and truth to be at the heart of journalism.
I love the authority of your delivery here Katerina. Very beautiful to feel.
I am so glad I revisted this Katerina – this is such a powerful piece of writing – thank you – full of truth and the depth of your experience.
Thank you Katerina, you have brilliantly shown the contrast between journalism with integrity and gossip reporting for money.
Thank you Katrina for your insightful blog coming from your first hand experience with your father as journalist, there is so much rubbish fed to us via the media that I feel people just turn off. It is truth in reporting that we need not the lies and sensationalism that we are being fed.
Marika, I love it when I read a comment that expresses exactly what I have commented elsewhere, just in a different way, that must mean we are all singing from the same hymn sheet, or page if you prefer!
Awesome Katerina,
I loved what you shared about your father writing to expose the truth as apposed to the many journalist here that focus on selling lies to sensationalise a story.
I agree it is time to stand up for truth and support writers like your father who are inspired by what is really occurring.
Katerina its great to be reminded that true journalism exists as you’ve witnessed in the past. Its a sad state of affairs however to see individuals like “David Millikan” call themselves journalists or reporters of any sort when the reality is far from that.
A call for true reporting and journalism should be high on the agenda of all Governments. The world would be an entirely different place if the newspapers and magazines were filled with Truth. Yes is it would be ugly, no doubt, because that is the current state of humanity – but it would also offer an opportunity for people to get their heads out of the so-called sand and stop accepting that this is “just the way it is”.
That’s it Jo. Here is mighty power in the pen as has been said before when that pen writes truth. Truth may be uncomfortable at first because it shakes us out of stupor and denial, but it is the denial of what’s really going on that makes us suffer the most. Journalists and the media have a greater responsibility and to this day they have shunned this responsibility and turned their power into abuse. There is no service to the people in spreading lies or indeed dramatisation and not the truth about what is going on. There is suffering taking place en masse in the world we live, and this suffering and corruption needs to be exposed; and the media has a big part to play in this, whichever way it chooses to go. It can either continue to perpetrate this suffering and corruption or it can choose to take a powerful stance towards it and start to say ‘no’. I look forward to the day when the latter does take place.
Hi Katerina, I love your blog and Hi Jo I love your comment in reply to Katerina and Katerina’s reply back to you.
Newspapers and Magazines as we know them from at least the last sixty five years have always made their money from advertising. Now this advertising has become a multi million dollar industry and we all know that advertising is not quite ethical and definitely not from love.
Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp Australia and Gina Reinhart’s Fairfax Media newspaper titles account for 86% of the sales of all daily newspapers in Australia. This is the most concentrated newspaper ownership in the 26 countries surveyed, and among the most concentrated in the democratic world and what is worse than the lies they tell is the truths they don’t tell.
As Australia’s population get older the number of newspapers sold gets less. It’s a fast dying industry with too many journalists and not enough jobs.
Katerina, I could feel the power in your words and towards the end felt to halt as I read “But deep down this aches us, because we know that it’s not right. Underneath all the cynicism, the muck and all the giving up, we all hold something very precious in common: our love for humanity and a longing to make the world a better place” Could this ache, the disconnection from love for ourself and others be at the root of many of our dilemmas, medical issues, relationship issues, wars etc.? As more people are standing up with the truth yes great days are happening. Thank you for standing up and making this call for truth.
Thank you for standing up and speaking the truth in your article Katerina. “All it takes is one journalist to seize the opportunity and tell the truth. When that happens, it will have the potential to ‘turn the tide’ and show us all the true power and potential that a journalist holds.” What a great day for humanity that will be.
And maybe one editor who will agree to print the article. A part of me can’t help but wonder what it must be like to go into journalism, or any profession, feeling that you will make a difference only to be overwhelmed by the need for profit and all that brings.
All the more reason for us to speak and write what we feel to be and experience as the truth
So true Katerina. Journalism was once considered an honourable trade with many journalists speaking out with integrity and truth. Of course they still exist but as you say have been co-opted by a business that puts profit before people. Tabloid journalism has indeed added to the dumbing down of humanity. It is time that we spoke up about the manipulated lies that we are being fed.
Top blog Katerina, and yes you may dare to say it, I feel cynicism abounds in our society. It has to, otherwise there would be a lot more exposure of all the corruption that goes on in our world. In most vocations there are those who affect their whole industry with their actions and because journalists have the potential to sway public opinion, their actions can be quite devastating for those concerned and tarnishes the journalists who wish to present only the truth.
Yes Tim. Under the cynicism that binds a person I would venture to say that that person is deeply sensitive and aching for the love we all know and yearn for when we don’t have it. That love which can only come from within. The distinction with someone who has sold out to cynicism is that they’ve given up on reconnecting to this love, to themselves. The apathy towards the corruption in the media and everywhere else is a direct result of this.
Katerina, great great blog showing what journalism can truly be and that it’s still possible but we need to get out from under our comfort blankets of being given-up and actually clearly ask for it. Journalism is an amazing tool which can expose the corruption and evil that exists in the world, but right now it’s being used and owned by a select few who themselves have no interest in exposing that, but would rather drown us with sensationalism, gossip and nonsense. And yet as you say we all know there is a different way, deep down people are inherently decent and care for each other and humanity, it’s time for us to live this in our day to day lives and call out the corruption we see. You’re so right that much of that corruption is quite insidious especially in the west, as we think we’re fine but truly we’re not, it does hurt and yes we do hide this hurt behind cynicism rather than speaking it and addressing it – time to let that go, and see how our, us and our fellow humans are treated and re-discover that we do indeed love people and that we’re affected when they are hurt in any way whether they be close friends or blood family or not. Thank you for such a clear clarion call back to love.
A great insight into journalism and how it could be.
This blog feels very true. Thank you for sharing your experience of the different ways that journalism and information are delivered. It is true that the media has been and still can be used to expose serious crimes against humanity and it is in no way naive to ask a journalist to consider their motivation for writing an article. Is it truthful and does it support humanity? The vehicle of media is a powerful one and having a voice is a responsibility. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Katerina for pointing out the facts that there is still journalists out there with true intent. I had become so disenchanted with the media these days with all the sensationalism, gossip and sex to sell papers. Also an editor that I once admired, printing the same copied and pasted nonsense about Universal medicine over here in England as they did in Austrailia. Because of this I was not seeing the fact that there are reporters out there doing good work.
Thank you Katerina for this powerful, insightful and exposing article on journalism and highlighting how it could be so different writing from truth.
How beautiful Katerina to have a father who spoke the truth… so where is the journalist today willing to do the same or are they all owned by the newspapers they work for and tell any story to keep a job and sell a paper?
Wise words Judy, it would take true courage and a love for humanity (and a conscience) for a journalist to do that, it would mean letting go of their security and comfort. But history has told that there are people who have done just that, so all is not lost. We will just have to continue to pave the way for truth!
Yeah, Nice to read your blog Katarina! Thanks for writing.
Ker-pow!#**! Katerina. This is an outstanding piece of writing, an absolute clarion call which says it completely as it is. And I agree, “we all hold something very precious in common: our love for humanity and a longing to make the world a better place”. This is not only “felt” as the truth, but KNOWN in many hearts, such as your own. So powerfully expressed… Thank-you.
Thank you Katarina, I had started to doubt journalism in general, but here I can see if used correctly journalism is a tool that can be utilised to call humanity to truth, but maybe with the state we find journalism in it is the rest of humanities turn to call the journalists back to truth.
Correct Marika – I would even change it from potentially to practically everyone on Unimed blogs is a journalist – and blossoming awesome ones :).
Talking of Greece and journalists who choose to speak up regardless of consequences, this might bring back those unpleasant memories of your father’s experience. Here is the latest in Greece about a handful of journalists who are being suspended/arrested for exposing the rot in Greek government. One TV presenter is being publicly prevented to publicise a list of senior ministers who have taken bribes from the business sector!
And no Katerina, you are neither being too simple nor naive – just truth-full and for that I thank you with all my heart.
When the chips are down, corruption comes out fighting like a cat in a bag.
Similar cats have had their buttons pushed by Universal Medicine students who – through making truly better choices in their lives, ones based on love not comfort – have exposed the loveless ways that their critiques live and defend so dearly.
It is one of the sorest buttons to be pushed in any of us, ‘the button that shows us we have not chosen to be loving and decent human beings.’
Most are wise enough to admit it, but for those who choose to deny it and defend it they invoke a darkness and that has no love or care for another – not an ounce… then crazy things happen, like in Greece as you say Dragana, journalists suspended/arrested for exposing Government corruption – how dare they expose a regime of exploitation, embezzlement and misappropriation of funds… it’s the way it’s always been.
I agree with you here Katerina. This is not at all a naive way of thinking and indeed we need to begin trusting again in who we are and in others. I feel it is this lack of trust that has perpetuated the ‘giving up’ as you call it. If we can begin to trust again, and firstly in ourselves and who we are, we can begin to see that with our deeper love for humanity WE CAN turn this around!
Yes Journalism can be a powerful tool for true good if used responsibly and for the intent of serving us all. We all deserve decent reportage that exposes what needs to be exposed and inspires us to live as harmlessly as possible.
Journalism can be such a powerful tool for either helping or harming. Your piece has explored this beautifully.
Bravo! I totally agree and thank you very much for putting the truth so straight to the point.
Great point calling it for what it is: Modern Witch-hunt with No care for Humanity.
Thank you Katerina. Sadly I have been one of many who have made excuses for the media. Thoughts such as ‘they don’t care about us, what else do you expect from them, all they care about is making money’ so that I can disengage from the reality of the hurtfulness they inflict. But the reality of this is deeply hurting and leaves me feeling such distrust at our systems that do not truly serve us but can be manipulated to corporations end goal of creating sensationalism to sell papers. If I don’t change then society won’t change. It is up to each of us to say ‘enough’ and speak up against this blatant abuse. And this I commit to from now.
“If I don’t change then society won’t change”, I wished I’d thought of that Janine, so simple, yet brilliant. Well done for your new found commitment.
What a powerful post Katerina, and a simple and honest call for truth. It is hard to believe that it was just a few decades ago where it was not uncommon for journalists such as your father to speak out for truth, and to compare that to current times and the lengths that journalists will go to in order to sell a story, with no regard or intention to report with integrity and truth. I too feel that we all deeply feel what is truth but have become lethargic in accepting ‘non-truth’ as the status quo. It is time to re-speak the truth and to have this loudly heard!
A lovely account of the way it is and the way it could be…
This is a brilliant article – made even more powerful because of your background, Katerina. History shows lots of things have changed because of the convictions and integrity of just that ONE person. Wonder who in the media is it to be this time round…
Some great points Katerina. Yes surely there must be one journalist or one editor out there with the courage to speak out against all that has gone wrong with his or her profession.
I am sure that in time, someone ‘out there’ will step forward and start to report the truth without fear or favour. In the meantime, we can ALL take responsibility and start to speak our truth within our own homes and workplaces, and looking at these blogs and comments it appears we are beginning to do just that. And I agree Doug, it can take courage to speak out, but I think you’ll agree, if we feel something isn’t right, aren’t we adding to it by not speaking out? BIG responsibility.
Katerina, I love your piece, particularly the way you point to the fact that there have been some sincere journalists in the past, and also the way you have nominated the lethargy we are under in accepting this kind of harassment and persecution drummed up by the media. We have clearly seen that there is no integrity in the way journalists are going about the business of reporting what has happened with Universal Medicine and with many other situations.
Having spent a lot of time in Europe (and some time in Greece) I found that one could always have a good conversation with people, exposing what was going on – and people would stand up and say, ‘this is unacceptable’. When I would come home to Australia I couldn’t believe the lethargy, the acceptance of the corruption and lies expressed nightly on television and daily in the papers – it was like a diet of toxins and sugar. When watching the news on television I used to feel engulfed under a gauze of self-satisfied comfort. It is great that we are starting to speaking up now – thank you for your heart-felt blog.
Hi Katerina, thank you for sharing this, it reminds me how, when I was at school, the bad girl was the odd one out, nowadays, it is the ‘Good’ one who is the odd one out. What we accept as ‘normal’ isn’t necessarily right. Humanity needs more ‘good’ journalists who are prepared to report the truth and not be intimidated by their colleagues. Yes, there are Internet pages that offer positive news,but who reads them? We need accurate and balanced reporting of truth in the main media. so that everyone who reads a daily paper or watches mainstream TV can have an opportunity to see and hear it, and maybe be inspired by it.
You’ve raised a great point Katerina about how we accept as “normal” the corruption we see around us, as perhaps a way of dealing with it. A kind of put up and shut attitude, disempowering ourselves to the point we think we cannot change it. But we can. I saw a film recently based on a true event that happened in England in the 60’s. A small group of women in a car factory in Britain went on strike because they were not being paid fairly for their work. These 187 women brought the whole of the car production line in the company to a complete standstill with their action, as many thousands of workers could not continue until they had the necessary car seats from the ladies. Needless to say they were heard and their action brought profound change for all women workers from then on. This clearly demonstrates how a few can make such a huge difference if they speak the truth and do not give up.
Beautiful Katerina, thank you. You are absolutely correct – the majority of journalism seems only interested in gossip and belittling people, but there are some true journalists out there who genuinely care for the truth. The people who attend UM and the ones who run UM have a deep and genuine love of humanity – is there a journalist out there able to connect to, feel and report the simple truth of how we can truly use love to turn our lives around?
You know what Rowena, I feel we are all becoming our own journalists here on these pages, reporting and standing up for the truth. Wouldn’t it be cool to have a newspaper that truly cares about humanity and reporting the truth. I would certainly buy a copy of that one. And if we ALL stopped buying newspapers, then perhaps things would change, because it would get them where it hurts, their purse strings!
Katerina, what you have written is very powerful indeed. It’s true, we are all seeking a better world and there are many who came into journalism because of their quest for the truth. Too many have sold out, and not just journalists. This is a powerful call to that deep inner-place in all of us which knows truth and knows life doesn’t have to be this way.
Katerina, you bring us a facinating story about two sides of the media: the sensationalists and those, like your father, who seek and report truth.
I agree with you that we have sat back and been complacent and allowed corruption and abuses of power to become the accepted norm. And we have also sat back and accepted second rate reporting that much of mainstream media delivers today.
Yet it only takes a handful of people with conviction to break through the shields we hide behind and say ‘enough is enough’.
You are showing us how to do so by incorporating something that touches us all…and that is love.
Great comment Rod.
Thank you so much Katerina for expressing so well how things are nowadays in journalism. Truth has just about disappeared, with the desperation for sensationalism. Let us hope that even one journalist is prepared to look at what is going on and tell the TRUTH.