True democracy is impossible without reform-oriented media outlets. The decline of American democracy can be directly traced to the decline of the American media. 

 

There was a time when news publications relentlessly pushed for reform of all of our major institutions. But those days are gone, to the detriment of all Americans. Most media outlets are now owned by large national corporations which are hopelessly conflicted and addicted to superficial coverage which only serves to reinforce the status quo.

 

In our small way, Heart of America publications are fighting for reform, especially of our political institutions, which are drowning in a sea of dirty money, corporate influence,superficiality, and extreme partisanship. 

 

As we embark on this difficult task, we pledge that we will never stray from this declaration of our principles- to tell the truth, to challenge the status quo, and to fight for reform whenever it needs a voice.