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Readers React: James Foley and other heroic journalists in war zones

This photo posted on the Web site freejamesfoley.org shows journalist James Foley in Aleppo, Syria, in November 2012.
(Nicole Tung / Associated Press)
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To the editor: The execution of American photojournalist James Foley by Islamic State militants is an evil, despicable act and a harrowing reminder of the heroism of our war-zone journalists. (“Militants blame U.S. for their apparent beheading of U.S. journalist,” Aug. 19)

Foley left his home and family in New Hampshire to cover the civil war in Syria two years ago, and before he was kidnapped on Thanksgiving Day, he played an important role in exposing the unspeakable crimes committed by Bashar Assad’s regime against its own people.

Without men and women like Foley, the world would be a darker place, where acts of evil could go on without being brought to public consciousness. The reporters who take notepads and cameras to the world’s most dangerous places are serving on the front lines of the fight for human rights, educating the world by giving a voice to the voiceless and a face to the forgotten.

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Journalists don’t wear a uniform or a badge, but they’re public servants and the work they do requires courage and constancy in the pursuit of what is good and true. Many reporters work to expose corruption and crime, but only a special few are brave enough to look evil in the eye.

Brian J. Goldenfeld, Woodland Hills

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To the editor: Within the often maligned “media,” there lies a story of true heroism.

While we read our news and sip our coffee and see what happens around the globe, there are journalists willing to risk their lives to bring truth to the world. These individuals go unnoticed until something awful happens.

We owe them our everlasting gratitude.

Patricia LoVerme, South Pasadena

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