Don't Let Them Tread on Us! Support CMD Today! Date: Thu, 28 Jun 2007 06:02:08 -0500 (CDT) Dear friend of CMD, The 4th of July is right around the corner and here in the U.S. thoughts are turning to cookouts, fireworks, and time off from work spent with family and friends. Here at the Center for Media and Democracy, we are also thinking about independence, and how important it is in all parts of our society. The Founding Fathers showed they meant business with the "Don't Tread on Me" flag. they also did a good job in writing their Declaration of Independence. Over 230 years later, we would add a few more: * It is crucial that the governing of our country be independent of the monied interests that are served by legions of lobbyists on Capitol Hill; * It is vital that the media be independent of corporate spin and government propaganda and that there is no place for "fake news" in our information environment. Otherwise the public has no access to accurate, unbiased information on which to base decisions; * It is critical that doctors be independent of drug companies, so that the "gifts" that they receive don't influence decisions about your health. Here at the Center for Media and Democracy, we have our own Declaration of Independence. It says that we will not accept grants from corporations, governments, or labor unions in order to insure our continued journalistic integrity and our independence from those that would like to co-opt our good name and influence our reporting. Independence doesn't come cheaply -- please give generously today to help CMD stay strong, influential, and independent! Go to www.PRWatch.org/donate to make your gift today, or send a check made out to "CMD" to 520 University Avenue, Suite 227, Madison, WI 53703. Independently yours, The Staff of CMD P.S. Would you consider becoming a monthly donor to CMD? Even $10 a month adds up to more security and stability for our programs. Go to www.PRWatch.org/donate and choose the recurring donation option. Thank you! /*Your email ID. --*/