This site is dedicated to the proposition that a democratic government functions best in the presence of full, honest and intellectual debate.  Where quality debate and discourse are to be found, it is the responsibility of this nation’s fourth branch, the media, to shine a light on such debate and discourse for the betterment of the whole.

Thefourthbranch.com hopes that this site may serve as a forum for lively and intelligent discussions and that it may join the rising chorus calling for additional critical thought in American politics and culture.

The image of the tree on the front page of this site can be found at http://www.readmeansrun.com.