It is often said by politicians that the media does a really poor job at covering political events and governmental actions. Indeed, there are reporters who clearly do not know what they are talking about. Yet, the vast majority of reporters do know what they are talking about.

The problem is the lens that media gives on the news. It attempts to simply issues and search for headlines that will sell papers. Some of the most complex and vexing problems face legislatures across our country today, yet the papers only have a couple hundred words to spend on them.

Despite the desire to sell papers and make things simple, the media is largely right. It is important not to take what the papers say too literally, and to be willing to challenge them. They might not cover the nuances of the debate that people on the front lines see.

Very few people are fortunate enough to see the policy of our great state and nation being made right in front of their own eyes. Even if your limited to reading the papers, try to read as many as you can in your limited time. Try to become an expert on the issues that effect you most directly.

Don't discount the media. Don't believe that it gives you only sloppy journalism that is biased. Instead, read it carefully and try to understand the context of what is being said. When you do, you will be a better informed citizen.