I am creating this informational site in the hopes of discussing issues that I believe are important and where I hope to add value to any ongoing discussions. Please if you find any area of this site that you feel strongly about, contact me through the contact me link below. I will read all entries and promise to consider your ideas.

Thank you,

Kurt Artecona

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Politics and the Press

Do you believe journalistic integrity is in a state of decline? I am concerned that one of the West's most important and treasured assets our free and unbiased press is being devitalized. It seems these days more and more, the very most radical elements are given time on the airwaves, digital media and print. When I say that, I don't just mean I am distressed specifically about the right or the left. I am concerned more about the source from which citizen members of both political parties are receiving their information. There is no reliable source that I am aware of to get the truth when it comes to issues of a political or geopolitical nature. In the news we see both political sides spinning fiction to keep the masses stupefied. Listening to the mistruths and trying to figure out what the realities are of any politically debated issue, exhausts me. I am concerned this deterioration new quality is making Americans cynical. The more shrill voices I hear the less importance I give to what they have to say. If others like me stop listening to the increasingly childish rants of our media and politicians what will be the end result? With out the ability to access unbiased news we are being made powerless to perform our responsibilities to stay informed. Only those taken in and satisfied with infotainment will keep their passion for politics. Ruling by means of the appealing to the ignorant masses creates a fertile environment for fascism and socialism. I steadfastly belive democracy requires the belief that if the people are properly informed they will do what is in the best interest of their society. Democracy also demands responsibility of the individual to remain vigilant and active in their roles as citizens.

With Americans having lesser ability to discern what information they are being provided is accurate, voting for public officials becomes more a popularity contest based on personal appeal. We as a country are becoming easy to manipulate and therefore our ingnorance is becoming a liability to our own self intrests. Iraq has been a source of severe contention in regards as to our true interests in that country and the region in general.

We obviously don't have time or privilege to know what is really going on in Iraq. It is plainly impractical for Americans to be informed with all the facts regarding the war. And although I do believe we are owed truthfullness I do recogonize the fact that there is a necessesity for trust in leadership. I personally believe that Bush is a patriot and is doing what he has to protect America. I believe Bill Clinton is a patriot as well. I don't believe this war is just about oil. We are fighting in a larger struggle to survive against countries like China, Iran and Russia. All of these countries have interests that are clearly not in alignment with our interests. When I say interests I think I need to clarify. What are our interests? Many think interests are luxuries. I personaly know people who say they would give up driving to keep out of war. No one can offer us that choice. The fact is that all of us would ride bicyles or walk to work to stay our of war. The "interests" you would be giving up are much more substantial. We may give up the ability to be employed, live in a free society, access medication and offer the children of America a worthwhile future.

To keep our future safeguarded we all need to know what is going on so that if a sacrifice is required we know what it is and why we are making it. I believe that it's time we started to believe in educating Americans with the real facts. We are a unique culture deserves to be given the opportunity to make tough decisions even ones that have dire consequences. I believe that there are many of us that care about the future of this country and our legacy. I know that I would be very grateful not to feel manipulated. I want to be responsible so that we might keep the rare and wonderful rights this country provides us.

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