Welcome Back Bill!

“We were better informed when we only had three TV channels.”

That comment was made recently by a friend during a discussion about media reform. No one argued that point.

His comment led to a story from another friend about how he had to correct some misinformation (lies) his mother had been convinced were “true” from watching Fox (faux) “News.” The line she had repeated was something like, “Well, it’s because our president is a Muslim.”

Outrage filled his head, but he loves his mother dearly. So he calmly asked how she knew that. “It was on the news.” “What news Mom?” Her answer revealed all — and more.

Rather than berate her, he educated her. “Mom, did you know that Canada ban Fox News because they have a law that prevents news casts from lying or misleading the public?” She didn’t believe him — at first. But a quick Internet search revealed several reports that backed him up. “Oh my God. They’re lying to your father!”

Yes, Mrs. S. They are lying — to millions of people everyday. And it’s not just the lies, it’s the ignorance it leaves us with. And it's not just Fox. Media moguls refuse to report any news story that makes them look bad or goes against their interests.

If you really want to know what is going on with politics and media in the United States today, I (highly) recommend Moyers & Co. airing on most PBS stations beginning this week.

…when you are in a polarized world, you gotta fight. You gotta be tough. You gotta be like Franklin Roosevelt. "My enemies hate me. And I welcome their hate." You know, you gotta talk about Teddy Roosevelt, about the "malefactors of great wealth." You gotta fight for the people. —Bill Moyers

It’s sad that Bill can’t retire. The void of accurate information about what is happening to our country won’t let him rest. And I for one, am grateful for his fighting spirit! Thank you Bill, and welcome back.