It will always be possible to identify problems in need of the world’s attention. But the order (and calm) in which these are presented tends to be key to solution and, more, an insightful tell regarding the priorities of the presenter.

Given that, even more than our physical infrastructure, our informational infrastructure is in dire need of overhaul, might it be possible to tackle needed updates to two complementary systems in tandem? And can this be accomplished without acknowledgement from media organizations?

If our primary goal is to maximize learning and cooperation toward the end of problem-solving and relationship-building, might not priority number one be to repair an informational infrastructure within which, increasingly, people and organizations seem to feel that they can say and do almost anything to one another – so long as their words and actions amplify the financial interests of publicly-traded media companies?

As it seems American media organizations funded in a harmfully outdated way – effectively taxing, rather than earning, attention in order to perpetuate bully pulpits and present a formidably united front to anyone who would question their authority – have attempted to transform their principle function in the world from information-sharing to opinion-advertising, it is worth asking questions about who will fulfill their previous work. Relatedly, it is worth asking whether a mission transformation that does seem like an at least partial abdication of responsibility was truly made in order to save a country that, when equipped with information, is fully able to make decisions on its own – when one could just as easily make the case they did it only to save themselves.

While the what of American democracy is paramount, how also matters, and we do not solve problems simply by choosing to tune into one or another celebrity’s television product.

I do not personally believe the reckoning needed between the American people and dominant media forces need be as dramatic as fiction, like the one between actors Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson in the film A Few Good Men (although I do not believe much of the dialogue would need to change).

But a coming to terms is needed. Given a restored journalism sector, perhaps Americans would make many of the very same broad stroke political decisions that are being made now but with greater consensus, collaboration, engagement, and buy-in even while making different decisions about media consumption.

Gratefully, we do not need to wonder about these questions as, bravely and with consideration, we can talk through possibilities for a more inclusive and more engaging informational infrastructure. And to realize, in facing a media industry that can seem like an imposing monolith, that not only the American citizenry, but this industry, too, can handle it.