Mass media has to fulfill their obligation to the public interest by providing equal access for political campaigns and other public interest programming. Additionally, telecommunications law must be reformed to lower barriers to entry in broadcast and facilitate competition, providing greater alternative views and enhancing free speech. We have come together as a group to discuss the importance of civic education, for responsible and responsive democracy. We pledge our discussion will not end here. After deliberating these issues, we must make mention of our collective realization of the great difficulty involved in the democratic process.
Democracy combines elements of understanding, cooperation and compromise.
Although some may feel the conclusions we have reached do not adequately express their individual views, we must remember that this is just the beginning. This document is a springboard for future discussion. It is intended that a continuation of this dialogue will occur through our participation in the Web for Change, through which students will stay connected to the issues that affect us. These deliberations will ultimately encompass the entirety of our generation's sentiments concerning our democratic system. Please submit any questions or comments you may have to Tom Doherty in the Dean of Students office at Hampshire College.