Few Americans think partisan bias affects their own reasoning. Yet many of us jump to prejudiced assumptions without even realizing it. Biased reasoning can sidetrack us or cause us to make illogical leaps that don’t actually support our premise.

Americans are increasingly calling for our political leaders to “grow up” and get things done. Commentators have not been paying much attention to the developmental implications of these concerns, even as many of our leaders do not have the inclination, maturity or capacity to respond accordingly.   

Trust in mass media is at an all-time low. According to a recent Gallup study, only 40% of today’s Americans believe that the news is reported “fully, accurately, and fairly” by the media. Many recognize that instead of seeking balance, the media’s goal is often to construe stories that lead readers to a desired conclusion.

For example, who do you think should face more serious consequences?

Brigade makes it easy to jump in the pool of political engagement, but the pool is full of muck. Let's clean it up!

What is Brigade? It is a new mobile app from Napster co-founder Sean Parker "that’s meant to quickly get regular people engaged in articulating and debating political positions" (TechCrunch) with the intent to improve democracy by increasing and improving political discourse.