All hail the fallen angels!

If you want to test a man's character, give him power
u2014 Abraham Lincoln

And it holds so true today. From dictators to small-time politicians closer home, they sure do show their true colours when it comes to matters of power and authority. And as many may say, so do the Fourth Estate. We do have the power the power to report, write and present what we see, witness and think is important so that YOU know. And even though you think that we are fallen angels, and at times project situations in the light we would like you to see, we continue to do our work. No matter what you think. And what do we get in return? We get attacked, mauled, manhandled. Add screamed and slapped at to that list.

You attack us because you haveu00a0 money and muscle, because you feel that you can get away

We report against your Godfather, our offices are ransacked. We report that the buildings you build are of inferior quality; you ambush and attack us, or rather have us beaten up by hired goons and thugs. Why? Because you have the power. Because you feel you can get away. Because you have the money and muscle power. And because you feel it will be news today and forgotten tomorrow. Let me tell you, it is because of these fallen angels as you may think we are that you get your fodder for the evening arm-chair conversations.

We try to instrument change. We miss being with family so that you get your morning paper on time. We rush to the spot where a Qasab is shooting innocent people; we reach the railway platform minutes after a bomb rips it apart. This, of course, is not to eulogise our community; it is just to set the record straight.

We are doing our jobs, and doing it with sincerity and integrity. If you are misusing the power given to you, you are answerable to us and the people at large. And we will continue doing our jobs by reporting about it. It's time you take us seriously and treat us with some respect. We do realise our responsibility, but there is no way we will let you question our ethics and integrity.

The Fourth Estate is one community. We at least stand by each other. If nothing, learn from the community. You also have the power power of acceptance. Accept us. We might be fallen, but at least we are angels.