Journalism is What We Need to Make Democracy Work

If you’ve ever read the news and thought, “What the heck is going on here?” you’re not alone. With so many conflicting reports and sensationalized headlines, it can be hard to know what to believe. But despite all the confusion, one thing is clear: journalism is what we need to make democracy work.

As the great journalist and humorist H.L. Mencken once said, “The most dangerous man to any government is the man who is able to think things out for himself, without regard to the prevailing superstitions and taboos.” And that’s exactly what good journalism does. It helps us think things out for ourselves and make informed decisions about the issues that affect our lives.

Of course, not all journalism is created equal. As the legendary journalist and civil rights activist Ida B. Wells-Barnett put it, “The people must know before they can act, and there is no educator to compare with the press.” But if the press is corrupt, biased, or sensationalist, it can actually do more harm than good.

That’s why it’s important to support independent, fact-based journalism that’s dedicated to the truth. As the great journalist and muckraker I.F. Stone once said, “All governments lie, but disaster lies in wait for countries whose officials smoke the same hashish they give out.” In other words, we need journalists who are willing to challenge the official narrative and hold those in power accountable.

But let’s not forget that journalism can also be funny and entertaining. As the great journalist and wit H.L. Mencken also said, “The only way to deal with a world without freedom is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.” And what’s more rebellious than poking fun at those in power?

So let’s support journalism that’s informative, independent, and entertaining. Let’s demand the truth from our journalists and hold them accountable when they fall short. And let’s never forget that, as the great journalist and media critic Edward R. Murrow once said, “We cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home.”

On a serious note, we must take action to support independent journalism and protect press freedom. Here’s a step-by-step action plan:

1. Subscribe to independent news outlets that prioritize the truth over sensationalism and clickbait.
2. Write letters to your local newspaper or elected officials expressing your support for press freedom and independent journalism.
3. Attend town hall meetings or other public events where you can ask your elected officials about their stance on press freedom and independent journalism.
4. Donate to organizations that support press freedom and independent journalism, such as the Committee to Protect Journalists or the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.
5. Share articles and news stories from independent news outlets on social media to help spread the word and support independent journalism.

Remember, journalism is what we need to make democracy work. Let’s do our part to ensure that we have a free and independent press that’s dedicated to the truth.