>>You're implying that because mediocre behavior has become a norm, it's inevitable..
>>It isn't.

I'm just saying how it is. Corrupt Fourth Pillar means "the best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity." The Fourth Pillar should have a vital job cutting through the passionate intensity to find the facts, but click bait carries more personal and network benefit.

>>The press doesn't create the political scene - it reflects it.

It's a curiously partisan reflection then. Example: ABC killing of the Epstein story years ago. How many children were abused in the years since? Were it Fox, you can be sure the rest of the Fourth Pillar would be all over it for the good of the nation. That's not reflection, it's projection.

>>I've pointed several times to the situation in North Ireland as an example of what can happen when leaders do courageous things.
>>It happened with Reagan and Gorbachev.

General Winter did great things for Russia and General Prosperity certainly did the same in Ireland. As for Reagan and Gorbachev: I suppose current comparison would be seeking of more balanced relationships with North Korea and China? Maybe Mexico and Canada too?