And now, a word on the state of the media from John Whitehead, constitutional attorney, author, founder and president of Charlottesville-based Rutherford Institute.
According to a Pew Research Center poll, which Whitehead cites, only 27 percent of Americans born after 1976 read newspapers. The percentage of those born before 1946 jumps to 55 percent. Most young Americans are turning to the television for their daily dose of news. For Whitehead, that’s a “serious mistake.”
That newspapers are struggling to survive is, alas, a known fact. Yet, Whitehead, quoting Alexis de Tocqueville, says that the basis of democracy lies with the local newspaper.
“The truly literate and involved American should be reading the local newspaper. Weekly newspapers and the internet are also vital to maintaining an educated citizenry. We must ensure that they continue to flourish because they are all important resources for maintaining a healthy democracy,” writes Whitehead.
“And you need to do your part, as well. Subscribe to your local newspaper. Read it so you’ll know what’s happening in your community. And when you disagree, let your local politicians know–even if it is with a picket sign in hand.”