Fixing the BROKEN FOURTH BRANCH

In recent years there has been much commentary about how the three branches of our government are “broken.”  The media itself has reported that, no matter the political point of view, most voters are tired of the inability of government to function effectively, and solve the nation’s problems.  Citizens have also become “media skeptics.”  This has clearly come into focus during some of the Republican debates when moderators underperformed, and consequently did not meet their responsibilities within the important role media has in our democracy.  

The Media has often been called the "Fourth Branch of Government."  When the other three branches of government can't or won't come forward with the truth, the Media often has.   This “honesty” mechanism was designed into the US Constitution by the writers.  

James Madison said, “A popular government without popular information or the means of acquiring it is but a prologue to a farce, or a tragedy, or perhaps both.”  If George Washington is considered father of our nation, then James Madison is regarded as father of the constitution, and he was the First Amendment author.

It’s time for the media to REMEMBER its important role.  The media has a professional and patriotic duty to not be biased.  Second only to when citizens use their right to vote, the Media has the ability to keep our democracy safe, and change history in America.  

The media is critical to keeping our government honest, and in helping us elect and refresh government through our right to vote.  In the exercise of their personal First Amendment  rights, when journalists and commentators are expressing an opinion, they should clearly declare their bias.  Otherwise, they, or media outlets and sources, should remain unbiased and dedicated to fulfilling their important role in our democracy.

WHAT THE MEDIA SHOULD DO TO FULFILL THEIR ROLE?

• Publish only what candidates say about THEMSELVES.  See Voting Alert Beacon #3.
• Don't publish what they say about OTHERS.  See Voting Alert Beacon #3.
• Publish regular reports of candidate campaign contributions, and positively highlight the small contributions while negatively highlighting large contributions.  Especially, shine a negative highlight on pacts, special interests, and other "non-human" contributions.  See Voting Alert Beacon #5.
• On interview programs, invite only regular citizens for comment, not political pundits or commentators.
• Stop taking and publishing polls.  See Voting Alert Beacon #4.

SHOULD NOT DO

Media SHOULD NOT endorse candidates or take positions on the issues.  If and when they do, they change from fulfilling their special role and responsibility as the “Fourth Branch of Government” to becoming JUST ANOTHER SPECIAL INTEREST.

Honesty and public service are the gears that drive our democracy, and we turn those gears with our RIGHT TO VOTE.   LET’S ALL VOTE!

. . .  remember that America’s best days aren’t behind her.   America’s best days are ahead of her.  They always have been and always will be.

Dave

Copyright © 2015 by David William Wygant. All rights reserved.