Sunday, September 15, 2002

Democracy @ Risk

"Only in variety is there freedom." - Walter Lippman

American democracy is endangered by mediaconglomerates more interested in short-term profits than news and public service.

Blethen says that bottom-line-focused media corporations are loathe to spend sufficient money on vigorous news reporting, thereby jeopardizing the press's role of preserving the American system of checks and balances. "Where is the watchdog?" he asks. "Right now, it's a lap dog."

Democracy must have four legs. Each leg is essential. Take one away, and it's only a matter of time until our grand 226-year experiment topples.

Four-legged Democratic Stool