Democracy needs journalism

That headline is on the bottom of all emails from friend and Michigan Press Association Public Affairs Manager Lisa McGraw. It is a constant reminder of the important responsibility that newspapers must keep in mind and strive to fulfill.

Expounding on that idea, it is accurate to state that democracy needs journalism, and all of us.

Few people, if any, would debate the fact that our country is widely divided politically. Pundits on both sides of the aisle spew vitriolic commentary and seem to want to inflame the emotions of their party faithful. Talk of trying to unite us and bring the country together often appears to be lip-service.