Truth Matters in a Healthy Democracy
Fake news harms everyone because it divides us.
It poisons the well from which we all drink. It poisons the air we all breathe.
Fake News is a con job. It hits at the heart of our democracy, our way of life. It hits us where we live - in our homes, our towns, our communities.
We must acknowledge we are all in this together and actively work for the Common Good.
Remember Abraham Lincoln's cautionary biblical quote
"a house divided against itself cannot stand"
Just the Facts Ma'am
News and information affects our view of the world, informs our decisions, directs our dealings with others, and impacts our everyday lives. Therefore, it is CRITICALLY IMPORTANT that it be as real, verifiable and objectively true as humanly possible.
Fake news, lies, propaganda, misinformation and disinformation have a massive negative impact and have become a serious issue in politics, national security, the media and public health.
Fake News diminishes each and everyone of us. It diminishes our quality of life and our potential as individuals and as nations.
In order for citizens and nations to thrive and reach their highest potentials, a climate of cooperation and good will must prevail. Disorder and chaos begets more disorder and chaos.
For the good of all, Fake News must be exposed, corrected, minimized and de-fanged.
It’s critically important for all of us, that we pull together for the Common Good.
Some Basic Home Truths
What does it mean to live in a democracy?
Living in a democracy means living in a society where the will of the majority rules.
It's a governing system based on the will and consent of those governed.
It’s institutions are accountable to all citizens.
It adheres to and respects the rule of law.
It promotes and respects human rights.
A democracy is structured with a system of checks and balances, that by rightful design, restrain those in power.
Those structures include an uncompromised, independent judiciary; a rigorous and fiercely independent press; an ordered, civilized society.