With Democracy, not solely markets, voter rights, the rule of law, and civil engagement matter. Without active engagement and standards, lawlessness and chaos ensue. Look at war-torn parts of the world to know how fortunate places like America remain. Yesterday’s New York City judgment and the more than 4 years of constant attempts to implicate a former President, demonstrate how American Democracy can be manipulated and at the same time restored. Twelve jurors were selected to consider what was presented as facts unbiasedly.
Media has shaped the debate outside of the courtroom. Media remains responsible for accurately telling the facts if America’s Democracy is to remain firm and stable. Those colleagues who choose to manipulate the facts will turn America into a place hardly distinguishable from failed states globally. Regardless of voter preference, each American should come to a resounding realization that trial courts must be free from media manipulation and distortion.
President Trump’s New York case demonstrates how a media publication forced a moral and ethics issue in front of our country’s highest elected position. By paying to kill a story, Trump’s efforts and reason for running for his first term placed personal goals ahead of national interests. The original election outcome would not have been different if the porn star involved would have been ignored. Then as now, the handling of Stormy Daniels was a reason the President’s win over others was an overall protest vote. The President chose to lead and take advantage of a country full of animosity stirred with story manipulation most days prior to and during his term.
A second term will again be a protest vote. America’s political duopoly has yet to yield an inclusive Democracy led by an inspired leader and team focused on America’s ultimate success. We should all hope that fair and balanced reporting percolates to the top during this election cycle. One excellent example was the online interview hosted by the ALL IN Podcast. Although “Silicon Valley” elites, the 4 regulars gave former President Trump questions in a “fair and balanced” manner that all press/media sources should aspire. After breaking the internet, the Podcast further demonstrated their willingness to host other candidates including President Biden. Should anyone from the Democratic side care, Biden should force the “gang of 4 (Chamath Palihapitiya, Jason Calacanis, David Sacks, and David Friedberg)” to once again dress up and be on their best behavior with excellent questions.
