User:Crtew/Gerald Fischman (columnist)

'''Gerald Fischman, also known as (1957 – June 28 2018), a columnist and editor for the Capital Gazette in Annapolis, Maryland, United States of America. Fischman was a well respected award winning columnist/editor and worked for the Captial Gazette for over 25 years after having worked at the Harold County Times for 12 years prior.'''

Personal
'''Gerald Fischman, the son of Morton and Charlotte Fischman, was a 61 year old, Jewish man from a small family. He was the youngest of five cousins. Fischman had been married 11 years to Saran Erdenebat an opera singer also known as Erica Fischman. They met at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts during an opera performance. He was a step-father Erdenebat's daughter from a previous relationship, Uka Saran.

Career
'''Gerald Fischman was an award winning columnist/commentator and editor for the Capital Gazette at the time of his death. Fischman graduated from the University of Maryland in 1979. There he attended the journalism school and was the editor for the school's newspaper, the Diamondback. After college, Fischman worked for the Harold County Times for 15 years. In 1992, Fischman began working at the Capital Gazette where he continued his career for the next 26 years. Fischman won two awards close to the time of his death. He received both awards from Maryland, Delaware, District of Columbia Press Association. Fischman received the first place award in Division B of Editorials for his story about a County Council member censoring public meetings. His second award was for his story about a noose hanging outside of a local middle school .'''

Death
'''Gerald Fischman was murdered on June, 28, 2018. Fischman was killed by gunshot along with four of his colleagues. Jarred Ramos, 38, was arrested on five counts of first degree murder of Fischman and the four others. Ramos had a grudge against the paper for many years after they published an article about him and his involvement in a harassment case in 2011. Ramos had sent three letters the day of the day attack threatening the Capital Gazette. In one of those letters Ramos said he was on his way to the newsroom with the intent of killing every person present. '''

Context
'''Fischman's death, along with the four others became part of the long on-going debate of gun control. Ramos had longstanding issues of harassment and had made past threats. However, Ramos allegedly still legally owned the guns used in the attack. This is not just the case here but is also the case of many of the recent mass shootings that have taken place. The attackers legally owned the guns they used. Which leaves people questioning if the United States is really doing everything in their power to prevent these mass shootings.'''

Impact
'''Fischman's death is important because it happened at a time when mass shootings are happening nearly every day. People are questioning what our government is doing to prevent these shootings from happening so often. The United States primarily is a safe place for journalists. However, the rhetoric towards journalists is believed to be becoming more negative. The current White House administration has recently been under fire many times for the way they discuss and treat journalists. Some believe this new attitude towards journalists is dangerous. A case like Fischman would be used to back up these claims.'''

Reactions
''' Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, condemned the death of Gerald Fischman and the other four murdered in the attack. She said, “I condemn the killing of Gerald Fischman, Rob Hiaasen, John McNamara, Rebecca Smith and Wendi Winters,” declared the Director-General. “I trust the investigation into the motives behind this crime will help the authorities improve the safety of media workers." "His voice as a writer will be greatly missed. His wisdom cannot be replaced." said Rick Hutzel, Capital Gazette Editor . David Chapman, a former law enforcement officer, said "“I’m not talking about banning all guns,” he said. “I like being able to exercise my constitutional right to purchase a firearm, but I also understand why it has to be inconvenient — kind of like getting on a plane, it’s tough to board but that’s for everyone’s safety.” when asked about the Capital Gazette shooting .'''

Common references for this section include the UN Secretary General or the UNESCO Director-General and the press freedom organizations.

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