The price of a free press

The next time you hear your family or friends complaining about "that damn liberal media," gently offer two reminders: 1) Without reporters, they would have no idea what's going on in the world, and 2) the people about whom they're complaining are often putting their lives on the line in pursuit of the truth.

2004 was the bloodiest year for journalists in a decade, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. Fifty-four reporters and photographers were killed on the job this year, including 23 in Iraq. Twenty-two journalists were also taken hostage there. Fortunately, though many of the reporters who died were working for American media outlets, no journalists were murdered in the United States this year.

Thank you to the people who gave their lives this year while working to keep the public informed. You'll be remembered.