THE American Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Charles Ray’s love for newspaper vendors — particularly those from the private media — is now an open secret. On May 3 2011, he threw a party for them where he praised them as “a critical part in the process of information dissemination”. At the same occasion, three vendors who had sold the highest number of copies received prizes. He made further promises to the vendors. He promised he would increase the prizes to cover more vendors who achieved outstanding sales and pledged to increase their commission on daily sales. Several other vendors who spoke to The Patriot said other goodies that the ambassador did not mention at the function included food hampers every month-end and cellphones. An excited vendor told The Patriot: “We are very happy with the ambassador. Commission from the other papers is just a bonus. The papers to handle with care now are those that belong to the ambassador.” Political analysts say they were not surprised because the private media had always been moving towards denouncing Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle. However, they wondered why the ambassador was not more discreet instead of giving such open fi nancial and material support.