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A web log based on the principle that a civilized society deserves democratic government based on integrity. The premise here is the U.S. democracy has effectively been subverted by oligarchical forces which must be opposed with facts and rational thought. (An RSS feed is recommended.)

Thursday, July 14, 2016

Decline in Newspapers Threatens Democracy

Via The Musical Patriot --


Eric Alterman has written in a recent issue of The Nation about the continuing decline of newspapers.  While this is no longer news, the continuing decline after previous losses, is very significant.

As the late scholar of journalism, James W. Carey, wrote, the "vital habits" of democracy disappear in such a situation and we are left with "the quack, the charlatan, the jingo, and the terrorist."

This excellent piece by Alterman illuminates the sad information environment we are found in now -- an environment in which "verifiable truth becomes harder to find, while lies and misinformation become easier to exploit."

This does indeed help explain the rise of a Donald Trump.


Read more on this important story:
Newspapers Continue Their Decline: Why It Matters


Thanks to The Nation for their excellent article, excerpts of which are included in the present post.  

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