MEDIA MATTERS - 4th Branch Restoration

 From the founding of America, a free press has been seen as vital to a free people and an honest/effective government for and “By the People.

The traditional or “mainstream” media has evolved far from its news reporting role to an editorial or opinion platform.  Commentators publish information as if it were news, when in fact, it is biased politically and not entirely fact-based.  This is more the rule than the exception.  Additionally, within the mainstream and legacy media groups, published information is consistently left-leaning.

A great return to high standards is needed.  The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) (https://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp) has a clear and comprehensive “code of ethics.”  

The major categories of the standards are:

• Seek truth and report it
• Minimize harm
• Act independently
• Be accountable and transparent

Members of the SPJ believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. Ethical journalism strives to ensure the free exchange of information that is accurate, fair, and thorough. An ethical journalist acts with integrity.

A return to these standards would be a tonic for governance in America.  “We the People” and our elected public servants would do a better job.  Honesty and public service would be refreshed.

In the next Voting Alert Beacons post, I’ll address steps that “We the People” can take to save and resurrect our “4th Branch of Government” to its rightful place in the American Democracy.

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

David

Copyright © 2025 by David William Wygant. All rights reserved. 

 LISTEN-To Increase The Volume Of Our Votes

Beacons of Common Sense

We consider free speech to be our most fundamental right, and it should remain so. It is first on the list of Amendments for a reason.  However, there is also a required connection.  We have a responsibility to listen.  While the listening responsibility isn’t explicitly mentioned in the US Constitution, it is nonetheless a critical 50% of the equation.

Why? Listening means we are willing to change.  We must be willing to let the other person, argument, or viewpoint change us.  To think otherwise is not to listen.  If we all come with a commitment to listen, we will indeed meet in “the middle of the road,” and we will build a powerful COMMON SENSE FOR AMERICA.  Then, when we vote, we’ll all have confidence that the best decisions are made.

So, it’s time for us, “WE THE PEOPLE,”  to quiet our voices and become calm. It’s time for “WE THE PEOPLE” to increase the volume of our VOTES.  Whether we are liberal or conservative, left or right, man or woman, young or old, no matter our color, no matter our custom, no matter where we’ve come from, no matter our language, no matter our religion, no matter our sexual orientation, and no matter what divides us or makes us different from each other, it’s time for all of us to put aside these labels and create a label-free zone for all humans.  

It’s time to return to our founding principles as Americans in the United States of America, and in this great return, take a greater step forward.  It’s time for each of us to awaken our sense of CIVIC responsibility and become “WE THE PEOPLE” again.

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

David

Copyright © [2025] by David William Wygant. All rights reserved.  

ETHICAL, HONEST, AND KIND BEST PRACTICES FOR SOCIAL MEDIA

 AS A PERSON

Integrity & Honesty
Share information that is accurate, verified, and from credible sources (Personally check it).
Avoid clickbait, misleading headlines, or exaggerated claims.
Correct mistakes openly and quickly if you post inaccurate information.

Respect & Kindness
Treat others as you would in a face-to-face conversation.
Respond to disagreement with civility, not insults.
Refrain from harassment, bullying, or piling on in group attacks.

Empathy & Compassion
Remember, there’s a real human on the other side of the screen.
Consider how your words might affect someone emotionally or mentally.
Support people who are being unfairly attacked or marginalized.

Positive Contribution
Share content that informs, inspires, or helps others, not just content that outrages.
Give credit to creators and sources—don’t plagiarize.
Promote inclusivity, diversity, and voices that aren’t often heard.

Privacy & Boundaries
Respect personal and private information—don’t share without consent.
Avoid doxxing, shaming, or exposing private details about others.
Be mindful of oversharing your own information as well.

Constructive Engagement
Ask questions instead of assuming bad intent.
Acknowledge good points from others, even if you disagree.
Focus on ideas, not personalities.

AS A CITIZEN

Digital Citizenship
Model the behavior you want to see online (Lead with thoughtful and kind understanding).
Report harmful or illegal activity when you see it.
Use your platform responsibly—consider the impact of amplification (likes, shares, retweets).
Participate and act like a fair-minded and mature human being.
NEVER MISS AN OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE.

Mindful Use
If you can’t positively contribute in some way, don’t post anything.
Reflect before posting: “Is this true? Is this kind? Is this necessary?”
Don’t feed trolls; disengage from bad-faith arguments.

Civic Responsibility
Engage respectfully in political or social issues without demonizing others (focus on the issue or policy, never on the person).
Support constructive dialogue over polarization (if you disagree, constructively offer alternatives).

AS A LEADER

Gratitude & Encouragement
Thank people for their contributions and insights.
Encourage others who are trying to share positively.
Celebrate achievements, creativity, and community successes.

Beacons of Common Sense

American Privilege

8/21/25

Aspiring, working hard, and stretching beyond limits are core to human nature.  The sparks of curiosity and drive are in all of us, and through the many years, they have driven mankind to survive and flourish.  There are few qualities more American.  They are core to the American Dream.  They point to a bright future for "We The People" and the rest of the world.  President Reagan often referred to America as a “Beacon of Freedom and Opportunity.”  As Americans, we all share this Dream and see it as a common privilege.  It frees us to pursue our dreams.  The resulting aspirations and achievements are personal and only limited by our abilities and drive.  

Today, this privilege is frequently confused with a historically attained advantage.  Or, by denying another person something through wrongful or illegal acts.  Probably the most commonly referred to privilege is white privilege.  We are led to believe that privilege knows skin color, when in fact, privilege is really color blind.  Whether we are liberal or conservative, left or right, man or woman, young or old, no matter our color, no matter our custom, no matter where we’ve come from, no matter our language, no matter our religion, no matter our sexual orientation, and no matter what divides us or makes us different from each other, it’s time for all of us to put aside these labels and create a label-free zone for all humans. In America, there is only American privilege.  As Americans, we are all privileged.

Our most crucial privilege is voting.  We all share this privilege as citizens in America.  Each vote is equal to every other vote.  "We the People" all bear this right and responsibility.  It is the core reason that no matter who we are or where we come from, all of us have the freedom and liberty to become whatever we want and reach as high as our effort will allow.  For each of us, this American privilege points optimistically to the future. 

So, if you are an American citizen, your future is entirely in your hands.  There are steps you can begin taking immediately.  Take them!

Step 1:  Personal-Look in the mirror.  What are you doing with your privilege?  It’s a gift.  Your responsibility is to make the most of it for yourself, your family, your community, America, and the Human Race.

Step 2:  Family-Pass on a legacy of privilege.  A legacy of honesty, hard work, and fulfilled responsibilities.

Step 3:  Community-Do public service and give back.  Use your privilege to help others.

Step 4:  VOTE!  Use your most important privilege and fulfill your most critical responsibility for yourself, your family, and America.

Copyright © 2025 by David William Wygant. All rights reserved.