With Chauncy's Murder, Freedom Took A Hit

August 15 - 21, 2007 by Maya Harris, The Post Newspaper

Chauncey Bailey labored day in and day out as a persistent voice and conscience for our community. He was one of the hardest working journalists in the Bay Area, appearing on radio and television and juggling any number of writing and editing gigs. Not only making the most of every medium, he worked to expand and diversify the media. He was a co-founder of New America Media, an organization representing thousands of ethnic media outlets throughout the country, a sector of mass communications that’s rapidly growing as our nation diversifies.

Chauncey knew and lived what so many of us take for granted—that freedom of speech and freedom of the press are cornerstones of our democracy. Our nation is strengthened when these rights thrive without interference.

In a free and open society, it is often members of the media who are the truth-seekers and truth-tellers, the voice for the voiceless. They investigate corruption, expose neglect, and shine a light on injustice. They promote the free exchange of ideas and spark public debate. They hold institutions and individuals accountable, while informing the public. “Without an informed and free press there cannot be an enlightened people,” the U.S. Supreme Court once said.

It’s because of these fundamental freedoms enshrined in our Bill of Rights that Chauncey could pursue his passion for change. And it’s what sets this nation apart from so many others.

Around the globe, journalists risk their lives everyday to tell the truth. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, already this year, there have been 31 confirmed killings of reporters because of their work, whether dying in the line of duty or deliberately targeted for assassination. In Afghanistan. Pakistan. Iraq. Another 18 killings are as yet unconfirmed, and countless others have been threatened, assaulted, imprisoned or disappeared.

The atmosphere of intimidation and fear is deliberate and effective, suppressing courage and conviction. Execution serves as a form of editorial license, signaling which stories will be allowed to be told.

But, fortunately, we don’t have to worry about that in America because that only happens in far away places, not on American soil. Right?

Wrong. Chauncey’s brazen murder shows the fragility of freedom and democracy. It demonstrates how in the blink of an eye or, in this case, the blast of a bullet, these issues can easily hit close to home.

While few journalists in the United States are killed in the line of duty and rarely are they assassinated, even one is cause for alarm.

Thomas Jefferson cautioned that “the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” Chauncey was vigilant—chasing every story, attending events big and small, always asking the first question. Now it’s up to us to honor his legacy by standing up, speaking out, and continuing to seek justice for our community.