Media is one of the most important issues of our time. Their failure to cover the important news we need has caused a crisis in our democracy.

Two of the most important media figures of our time: Bill Moyers and Keith Olbermann are talking about journalism in America.

Watch Bill Moyers Journal tonight

Valentine's Day is Wednesday, and FCC Chairman Kevin Martin has spurned the public's love in favor of the largest media companies. It's time we won back his heart.

So we at Free Press created this 40-second Valentine's Day video for Chairman Martin.

Send a Valentine to Chairman Martin

I continue to receive great emails from Simon Rosenberg and the New Democrat Network.  I just wanted to share the latest one, which I feel makes an excellent point.

The story of Mike Brown reveals a great deal about the state of modern conservatism in America today. For all their billions spent, and unchecked power here in Washington, the conservatives have still not proven they can govern the country. We know they are awfully good at politics, campaigns, spinning, positioning, framing, attacking their opponents, playing the "blame game." They are just aren't very good at this governing thing.

I received an email from the New Democrat Network today that really hit it home for me, in a clear, concise way.  Posted after the flip:

(Don't know how to do the cool boxes)

I posted about this yesterday.  We really need to help with this. We know what its like to benefit from unfiltered, REAL news. We need to help foster efforts to provide this to Hurricane survivors.
From Prometheus Radio Project:
With FCC Go-Ahead, Only Astrodome Bureacracy Keeps Technicians from Saving Lives

Sorry for the press release, but this is so needed....please contribute to their efforts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We here at Daily Kos have thrived off of our ability to create a community and self-sustain. They are trying to give the Hurricane victims the same opportunity. Please donate immediately to help this effort. add $0.01 to show its from this community---helping to build another.

Need For 10,000+ Radios Before Station Can Go On Air

Relief volunteers and Independent Media organizers in Houston, Texas, in
collaboration with refugees from Hurricane Katrina, have gotten
permission from the Federal Communications Commission and the City of
Houston, Texas to build a 30 watt radio station to serve the families
currently living at the Houston Astrodome and adjacent buildings.  

An elected official in New Orleans just spoke with reporters and her message was simple....we need buses and gas.  Not food, not water, just buses and gas.  People need to get out of New Orleans, and the people who are trying to make that happen need buses and gas.  Anyone know how to provide this?  She is echoing the sentiments of other people on the ground.    

(Please Recommend--People need to know this) It would seem that Bush and Co. actually cut the funds that would have helped save the city from the disaster we are now seeing.  According to this story "The cuts mean major hurricane and flood protection projects will not be awarded to local engineering firms. Also, a study to determine ways to protect the region from a Category 5 hurricane has been shelved for now."
Check it out:
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4200/is_20050606/ai_n14657367

This is my first diary, so be gentle.  I just wanted to share something with the DailyKos community that comes from someone who has been working on progressive issues for four decades.  

David Cohen has been working for social justice for most of his life.  He has been a consistent voice for civil rights, anti-poverty and reforming U.S. political processes by eliminating abuses of power and the corrupting influence of money on American politics.  He served as president of Common Cause from 1975-81 and is now Co-Chair of the Advocacy Institute Board and one of its two founders.  

David recently gave an online talk about the lessons that he has learned in his years as a social justice advocate and there are some great takeaways for advancing the progressive cause.  

Here is the link for his talks

I just wanted to share some highlights of his important insights.  More after the flip.