A Texas connection ...

You may have missed it in coverage of the unfolding drama in Zimbabwe, but authorities have arrested several reporters there.

One of them, Barry Bearak of The New York Times, has a slight Texas connection. He is married to Celia Dugger, daughter of Ronnie Dugger, the founding editor of the muckraking Texas Observer.

It is worth noting that when dictators or rulers want to exercise their power, one of the first things they do is try to muzzle journalists. That's why we take the First Amendment seriously here.

Let's hope for the best for Barry.

-- Rex Seline   

A Monday Update:

Bearak has been released. But he suffered injuries from "falls" while in jail.

And more, from the Times Monday:

Bearak was bailed out and is in a clinic, awaiting a court date.