Tom Rachman Quotes

Journalism, for me, has always been a calling. There are things that must be exposed to the light, truths that must be uncovered, stories worth risking your life for.

We don't go into journalism to be popular. It is our job to seek the truth and put constant pressure on our leaders until we get answers.

I think it's like everything else; one shouldn't dig too deeply. It's silly to say that with a journalist, but sometimes there is not a truth to be found.

In my view, far from deserving condemnation for their courageous reporting, the New York Times, the Washington Post and other newspapers should be commended for serving the purpose that the Founding Fathers saw so clearly.

The most important responsibility we have as journalists is to question those who are in power. I honestly believe that.

I ask myself questions that journalists don't dare to ask or don't know how to ask.

I said that I'm only there to write the truth, I'm not going to cover anything up, but I'll put everything in context and get as close to the truth of this person as I can.

Democracies succeed or fail based on their journalism.

The most important thing about my profession is finding the truth, finding the reality of these shows.

I think the good old British democracy should keep scrutinising and pressing to get the truth out.

The truth is, I don't have any problem with journalists - I count some of them as friends - also some of my heroes are journalists, I'm a big fan of Robert Fisk - great people or crazy people who are prepared to stand up for what's right.

Journalists are supposed to be skeptical, that's what keeps them digging rather than simply accepting the official line, whether it comes from government or corporate bureaucrats.

I have learned as a journalist that if you look long enough and hard enough and carefully enough, most truths are discoverable.

A reporter's ability to keep the bond of confidentiality often enables him to learn the hidden or secret aspects of government.

Deep Throat did serve the public interest by providing the guidance and information to us.

Deep Throat's information, and in my view, courage, allowed the newspaper to use what he knew and suspected.

I happen to believe that any legitimate news organization in the world would do that interview. And if the United States is going to be a proponent of a free press, it has to walk the walk.

The press should form a fortress of steel round the republic. The republic has a right to demand this from journalists. The struggle is not over; the press has a duty to convey this truth to the nation and safeguard its unity.

I'm astonished by how much journalists stay with the story, try to get to the truth of the story, maybe give years of their life to it, maybe go over to Syria, maybe lose their life. Then, the next day, it's a new story.

There are certain stories that remind you of the moral purpose that originally drew you to become a reporter.

When I was counsel for the Senate Rackets Committee, about 25% of the important leads which our committee developed came from newspapers. This increased my respect for those courageous newspapers which assisted us. It also caused me to look with wonderment at some of the newspapers that did not.

We need ethical journalism. There is also capacity limitations in journalism.

I was a dogged reporter.

I'm doing real journalism.

I'm a reporter by nature and training. I like things that make sense.