IN reading the article YOUR newspaper needs Your help . . . NOW!, it certainly makes for a worrying, if not terrifying thought: the government could force newspapers out of businesses with legislation which could impose “crippling legal costs” which would stop the press from publishing the truth’ (Bury and Radcliffe Times, January 5).

I was seriously injured in a road traffic collision and couldn’t return to work.

It took 11 years to get compensation. Had I challenged the derisory offer in court and lost my case, I would have had to pay legal costs for both my solicitors and the insurance companies. I would have come away with even more debt than what I had to borrow to survive.

In the vulnerable state of mind I was in, it felt like having a gun held to my head, so I settled out of court.

With the government wanting to hold a gun to the head of newspapers, to stop them “exposing corruption or wrongdoing in public office”, makes for a terrifying thought.

When we look at the corruption and wrongs which already exists in the world of the powerful and wealthy, then with the way the world is heading, it can only get worse.

Just as there are cheats in the highest corridors of sport, there will always be cheats in the highest corridors of power and finance — greed is surely the most powerful force on Earth.

Without the ability and skills of the media, (gold medallists in fighting for equality and justice for the poor, disadvantaged and vulnerable), then societies back-makers will basically become cannon fodder.

The people in power, from company bosses to presidents, will be making sure that they are both safe and wealthy.

A world without newspapers, books, money, and human kindness? No thanks.

Name and address supplied