A long time ago when men made their fortunes building railroads to nowhere and railroads to somewhere in useless duplicate these men worried about the papers. With the invention of the telegraph and the low rates offered to news agents, organizations like the Associated Press were born and thrived publishing stories of commerce and politics.*
It didn’t take long for railroad men to realize how important it was to keep one step ahead of these enterprising newsmen and their nosing about for dirt on the tracks. Much of what the rail entrepreneurs did was legal but underhanded at best. Sensational stories putting these men in a bad light were all the rage. Luckily some reporters could be charmed or bought. In fact, most could.
And what has changed?
Author Adrienne Morris 
2 responses to ““I seriously wish that some legislative measure could be passed, which would make the shooting of reporters wholly justifiable on sight, punishable by a fine not exceeding ten dollars.” Charles Francis Adams, President of the Union Pacific Railroad”
It would seem that the pen is mightier than the sword.
After reading your post and watching the videos, should we be asking the question: so who is paying the German journalist to speak up? 😉
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Maybe his conscience? The pen can definitely lead to the sword!
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