In a democratic republic, good governance is dependent upon an informed citizenry. This is more than a clever saying or catchy motto. The Constitution’s framers gave special consideration to the press in the First Amendment. The Founding Fathers did this because the newly formed government was created by the people and for the people.

Unfortunately, many in the mainstream media have lost sight of this important duty to provide information to Americans without political bias or ideological spin. When the system works the way it was designed, the public can evaluate the merits of legislation. Subsequently, the voter’s wishes are supported or not supported by the elected officials who represent them. However, the only way most Americans receive information on issues involving government is through the media.

Two very important pieces of landmark legislation are now pending in the United States Congress. Health care reform, a plan which many agree would place government in control of one/sixth of the nation’s economy, is now being hotly debated in Washington, D.C. Another crucial bill that would have the potential to drastically change America, referred to as “Cap and Trade,” has already passed in the U.S. House of Representatives and awaits a vote in the U.S. Senate.

One of the most astounding facts regarding these two bills is the lack of information provided by the dominant media concerning exactly what and how these pieces of legislation would effect every citizen. There are those who believe the celebrity status of President Barack Obama has led to this dearth of coverage. Others cite liberal political bias in the press as the reason why the details written into national health care reform and Cap and Trade have not been given the scrutiny these issues deserve.

Of course, it has become clear many politicians themselves, including the President, are not entirely up to speed on what Congress has written into these bills. But, if this is the case, the media has a responsibility to report on this fact as well.

Sadly, journalism in recent years has strayed from its charge to just present the facts. Today, the press does more in the way of commentary than reporting on the hard, cold facts concerning issues that are vitally important to Americans. There has been very little reporting on how a health care system dominated by government control would impact the average individual and family in our country. Questions need to be asked and answered concerning the cost of nationalized health care: Who would benefit from such a program and who would not? Would government bureaucrats be making life and death decisions for patients, rather than doctors, under this proposed bill? How would nationalized health care impact small businesses? These are all crucial queries which should not be hidden in the fine print.

Supporters of the Cap and Trade bill admit it would drastically raise the cost of energy for every family in America. The legislation would have an impact far beyond the monthly energy bills. There are legitimate concerns regarding how Cap and Trade might lead to hyper-inflation, due to costs passed along to consumers by businesses who would also face higher operating costs if this proposed legislation is signed into law.

Americans should not have to scour the Internet looking for answers regarding these issues. Yet it is apparent that a vast majority of the public knows little about Cap and Trade or how health care reform would change their lives– for good or bad.

The failure of the media to adequately report on subjects of such great importance represents a gross dereliction of duty. The special consideration given to the Fourth Estate by the U.S. Constitution demands more. Indeed, our nation’s current form of government needs information from the media offered without political bias or ideological bent, in order to perform as it was designed.

Some may say the concerns I have addressed here are over-stated. But, to the contrary, America may find itself at a point of no return. Therefore, those who toil in the journalistic profession must do some deep soul-searching. When the press fails to do its duty, dire consequences can occur.

Honest journalism is a necessity. This should be sought by every American–Republican or Democrat, conservative or liberal.