You can't serve the public good without the truth as a bottom line.

The American Revolution and Declaration of Independence, it has often been argued, were fueled by the most radical of all American political ideas.

The greatest felony in the news business today is to be behind, or to miss a big story. So speed and quantity substitute for thoroughness and quality, for accuracy and context.

Even at the end of a presidential election campaign, we have no way to know what Mitt Romney really believes.

What will a Hillary Clinton presidency look like? The answer by now seems obvious: It will look like her presidential campaign, which in turn looks increasingly like the first Clinton presidency. Which is to say, high-minded ideals, lowered execution, half truths, outright lies (and imaginary flights), take-no prisoners politics, some very good policy ideas, a presidential spouse given to wallowing in anger and self-pity, and a succession of aides and surrogates pushed under the bus when things don't go right. Which is to say, often.

Good journalism should challenge people, not just mindlessly amuse them.

Today, ordinary Americans are being stuffed with garbage.