The people of the United States and the world now live in a time of public mistrust, false news, propaganda, and encouragement of ignorance. Social media has contributed to this situation. Funds for investigative journalism and local news have dried up leaving people essentially alone with outlets like Russian State TV and Fox News. In this environment, Steve Bannon, an influential far-right political provocateur and conspiracy theorist advocates for the violent overthrow of democracies and his message spreads. Bannon holds racist, antisemitic and white supremest beliefs and believes the way to undermine truth is to “Flood the Zone with Shit”.

In 2021 journalists Maria Ressa of the Philippines and Dmitry Muratov of Russia were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize"for their courageous fight for freedom of expression in the face of authoritarian governments”. Ressa and Muratov represent all journalists around the world who bring the truth to light and power to account - despite personal danger and sacrifice.

They are true heroes, noble, and deserving of admiration