Truth has always been the enemy of those who choose evil methods to carry out their twisted and horrendous objectives.

Actions that are in direct opposition to the commonly accepted standards of all people who cherish freedom and human dignity.

For centuries, thousands have given their lives because they dared to reveal truths that others with shady objectives wanted kept away from the public eye.

From early Biblical times to the modern world of space age technology, it is a struggle synonymous with mankind. Little has changed in that never-ending battle for truth to be told regardless of the sacrifice involved.

In recent weeks, the world has been shaken with events that flash around the globe in seconds through social media and other communication technologies of the day.

In the middle of what can be only called a complex jungle of bits and pieces of information, the professional journalist has to wade through it all in search of facts and the truth. They may be, in a sense, the bravest soldiers of all on the field of vicious conflicts as they are armed only with the tools to record as accurately as possible the real story that can only be told with an eye for truth. Often, journalists put their lives at risk in the process.

Each night, many of us await television news to learn something from some of the most troubled spots on earth.

Without a reporter willing to risk it all to gather facts, to inform with professional authority, much of the world would remain in the dark and many evil acts hidden from public scrutiny.

Throughout the ages, there are volumes of horrific events where human dignity was dismantled by greed and a thirst for power that bypassed every basic value that gives meaning to life on earth.

Not much has changed in that area of world history. In today’s climate, people across the globe wake up wondering what will happen next in a world where terrorism in its many forms has become a threat to peace-loving people everywhere.

Most of the world is still reeling from the beheadings by the notorious Isis group and the brutal murder by fire of a Jordanian pilot while in captivity.

To think that the killing of the pilot was filmed with almost Hollywood quality and then released to the world was a bridge too far in trying to comprehend the objectives of a group claiming to be part of the Islamic faith. Adding to the confusion was the fact that the pilot was also a Muslim.

Again, it is the journalists who are charged with examining as close as possible what motives are behind such acts that run counter to common human values and that are held high by people who cherish freedom and respect for others regardless of racial or religious status.

Although the most gruesome events make the biggest headlines these days, in a fast-moving world of information there are still good people performing inspirational deeds across the globe that seldom make the headlines.

The work of good journalists risking their lives in a different manner to bring the Ebola story to the world was yet another reason why the free press must never be silenced.

There are places on this earth where many of us have no desire to be near as a result of events there.

However, as long as injustice and greed continue to make life unbearable for many, good journalists will stay on the job to uncover truth, no matter the risk, to keep the world better informed.

If ever the free press as we know it is silenced, freedom itself will be at risk.