Farewell to Claudia Rosett

There would never be a good time to say farewell to a magnificent patriot and courageous editorialist, essayist and investigative reporter like my friend, Claudia Rosett. But her loss at this particular moment in the arc of her profession is nothing short of devastating.

For decades, Claudia exemplified the practice of journalism that served as our founders intended – namely, as an independent, honest check on the three branches of government, fearlessly speaking truth to power. She did the same with tyrants abroad.

Claudia Rosett was an exemplar of authentic reporting. More to the point, she practiced it the way we desperately require at present. Those who believe that it amounts to nothing more than reprinting official press releases and collaborating in the suppression of dissenting views will have a special place in Hell, as Claudia surely has one in Heaven.

One of the proudest moments in the history of the Center for Security Policy was the occasion of the conferring in June 2005 of its “Mightier Pen Award” on Claudia Rosett for her brilliant expose of Saddam Hussein’s oil-for-food scam and countless essays in support of human rights and liberty. It was one of the highlights of two decades of collaborations with a Great American, inspirational freedom-fighter and cherished friend.

Rest in well-deserved peace, Claudia.