Freedom of speech is currently at the grave of our founding fathers, begging for mercy. It feels violated, hurt to the depths of its core. Taken advantage of and abused, the poor bill is wondering whether it is one of rights, or perhaps of evil. James Madison is running around trying to make sense of this wild generation, and how they have misinterperted his good intentions.

No, it simply cannot be. This great nation of honor would not do such a thing. At least not as a whole. Unfortunately, the personal agenda of one individual or group can impact the overall public, and what better (or worse) example is the one portrayed by some of the media groups. The influence of the media on the opinions and voting potential of the public is near absolute, although most people won't dare to admit it.

A voter in a recent primary was asked if the media had any influence in their decision. Their response? "No one makes up my mind for me, I am educated, and I make my own decisions". Wait, isn't that a self conflicting statement? Sir, you are insulting your intelligence if you think for a moment that the media doesn't influence you. After all, how did you get your information on a certain candidate? Chances are you didn't go to the library and do research on their history and experience. Best you probably did was maybe see a few clips of this guy on TV. Heck of a speech, huh? Well, congratulations, another media fish right there.

The point is, we see what is shown to us, and that is out of our control. The truth can, and will be twisted. Ask Dan Rather. Although we control our minds, we don't decide what to put into our minds, and therefore, rarely maked an uninfluenced decision. And that goes for politicians, investigators, judges, and every other human. Yes, we have a choice of what to believe in, but if are minds are so polluted with the negativity that the media feeds us, how can we be expected to make even a half-educated decision?

It is unfortunately the quest to besmirch and belittle great people that drives the networks today. Where did the days go when we heard good things about candidates, how wonderful and generous they are, the contributions they made to society. Optimism is a thing of the past, nowadays the radio hosts and TV anchor's are all debating which candidate will be worse for the country. Pessimism is at its best. And that is all we hear.

Yes, maybe it should have been called freedom of positive and optimistic speech. Just a thought to ponder.

Learn more about this author, Joseph Schwimmer.
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