The fourth estate commonly refers to the media in a democratic society. Many people believe that the media plays an important role in keeping the politicians, corporations, and other power brokers such as special interest groups in check. The ordinary citizen does not have the time or resources to keep track of all the shenanigan's done by these power players in order to enrich themselves and acquire more power. A dedicated and neutral media is a valuable tool to help sustain a democratic society.

Unfortunately, has been noted by several people, the media in America today has abdicated their position. Instead, they have joined the inner circle of the rich and powerful that more and more are isolated from the common middle-class. A case in point. This last Sunday August 21st. President Obama while enjoying another one of his many vacations, decided to drop in and spend time with his good friend Brian Roberts, the CEO of Comcast. So what is the big deal? Can't the President visit a friend?

The problem is that Comcast is a huge player in the media and news media in the country. And if a politician like President Obama, has an ally like Brian Roberts, how much of the news controlled by Comcast will be distorted in favor of President Obama? How much of it will be out right lies? President Obama has a daunting task ahead. Rarely does a politician win reelection during a poor economy. And by all signs, this economy is going to be the same or worse come election time. It is going to take a lot of lipstick to sell this pig to the voting public. That is where a friend like the Comcast CEO can be very handy.

-- Thomas Paine 2

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