The media is absolutely essential to the functioning of a democracy. It's not our job to cozy up to power. We're supposed to be the check and balance on government.

Go where there is silence and say something.

We must build a trickle-up media that reflects the true character of this country and its people. A democratic media serving a democratic society.

Go to where the silence is and say something.

I've learned in my years as a journalist that when a politician says 'That's ridiculous' you're probably on the right track

Chelsea Manning attempted to commit suicide twice last year.

In one of his final acts in office, President Obama shortened the sentences of 209 prisoners, pardoned 64 individuals .The list included Army whistleblower Chelsea Manning, longtime imprisoned Puerto Rican independence activist Oscar López Rivera and retired U.S. Marine Corps General James Cartwright. But missing from the list is 71-year-old Native American activist Leonard Peltier.