Paul Ryan stepped into the vice presidential debate prepped with a cadre of misstatements to confuse voters. But he didn't get away with much, what with Vice President Joe Biden giving him a drubbing and moderator Martha Radditz repeatedly holding his feet to the proverbial fire.

In short, the 1996 Telecommunications Act has worn away the very fabric of America. It is time to restore discourse to the America the founding fathers envisioned.

We the people do have some power over what is broadcast in our own communities, at least in theory. But in fact, petitions to deny stations' licenses languish for years, and the FCC has no record of the last time any station's license has been pulled.

It is clear that the "right" has been quietly assembling troops and is now mounting their attack, an attack largely unanticipated by media reformers.

Wake up, Democratic Leadership: We have been at war over facts for decades, and our democracy is suffering because of it. Only you can save us, and it's about time you get into the fight.

There is a difference between shouting on the street corner and broadcasting all over the country.