Thomas Jefferson, when discussing the first amendment, made a proposal for editorial reform.

[quote]Perhaps an editor might begin a reformation in some such way as this. Divide his paper into 4 chapters, heading the 1st, Truths. 2d, Probabilities. 3d, Possibilities. 4th, Lies. The first chapter would be very short, as it would contain little more than authentic papers, and information from such sources as the editor would be willing to risk his own reputation for their truth. The 2d would contain what, from a mature consideration of all circumstances, his judgment should conclude to be probably true. This, however, should rather contain too little than too much. The 3d & 4th should be professedly for those readers who would rather have lies for their money than the blank paper they would occupy.[/quote]

Do you think that something like this, being very clear in what it presents to be true, probable, possible, and false, would improve journalistic integrity, if implemented today?

hippyjoe1955 · 61-69, M Best Comment

I honestly don't know where the idea came from that we have an unbiased media. The "media" has always had an agenda and as such has distorted the truth to match their agenda since before Gutenberg's invention. In fact 'the media' is every bit as much a power player as the legislative and executive and judicial branches of government. The only power the people have over the media is whether or not to believe what they publish whether via newspaper, radio and TV or the internet.