Power is in our hands

“Power to the people,” the oft-heard phrase from the ’60s, is more relevant today than ever before. Just imagine the reaction of the advertisers in broadcast and print media if the power of the entire American population flipped the switch, dialed them out, pulled the plug, canceled the account, stopped playing childish games with iPhones, Androids and Blackberries. Wow, what a powerful message that would send to the media folks.

It is entirely proper to disagree in a civilized manner, but when anyone gets into the gutter, dialogue cannot be anything but ugly. So, my fellow citizens on both sides of the political and philosophical divide, cut the cord and bring them to heel. A few years back it was called “vote with your feet.” Today it is all done with a single finger stroke. You will see an almost immediate change in their behavior. After all, that is what is grossly needed. A change in personal behavior.

For those who attended a journalism school, do you recall the concept of checking your sources, vetting the source, ensuring your copy was actually accurate? The irresponsible media types today do neither. Thus the advent of “fake news.” Let’s work together and right the ship. We can disagree in a civil manner without all the hate and rancor.

Don’t worry, media people, the Pulitzer is still attainable without the anonymous sources or an unnamed high-ranking White House official. Wake up. Dig deep and do the right thing. Flip the switch, turn them off. The net result will be that, when the advertisers find out the American people are not watching or listening anymore, they will apply all of the necessary pressure to bring the media back into line.

Happy Independence Day! Not the same as Happy Fourth. But much better. LOUIS R. BURNETT Little Rock