It is unfortunate that up to now we have not taken advantage of the vast experience and knowledge of our retired editors who spent years doing their jobs. These editors over the years accumulated a wide range of experience in many professional areas as well as in social and political life. Ignoring this experience and leaving it untapped until it fades away or sinks into oblivion reflects an unfortunate trend of not taking care of our country’s brains and disregarding the services they have provided to us and the country. We must appreciate the circumstances under which editors work and how they often spend more time at their papers than they do at home with their families.
It is a mistake for retired editors to withdraw into seclusion and disappear from public life. Many find themselves confined to their homes, unable to take positions considered lower in status than their previous jobs. This is a major problem that denies the country the opportunity to benefit from these talented and experienced individuals. We lack professional institutions to employ qualified individuals in research. Even if such institutions existed, they would be purely academic and keen on attracting people with academic credentials rather than those with professional experience.
This is a phenomenon that is unique to the Arab world. In advanced societies, editors are not expected to step down when they reach a certain age. In those countries, when an editor leaves his job for any reason, he finds himself being sought after by organizations and think-tanks eager to utilize their knowledge and experience. Here, on the other hand, editors retire as soon as they age and if an editor should exceed his term, the publication’s owners will soon find an excuse to kick him out.
Once out of office, he will find himself forgotten by all. Because of these facts, working as an editor has become a risky job, especially for those with no social insurance coverage or no alternative source of income. This is the kind of human tragedy that awaits an editor who a short time ago was influencing public opinion and who was approached by many seeking help.
It is of course true that not all editors are qualified to take up public posts. Still, the majority of editors have the qualities and potentials that enable them to contribute effectively to developing public awareness and participation. They should not be neglected but be given a chance to serve their country in many areas.
29 September 2002
