The Fourth Branch

Recently, Washington was turned on its head when The Washington Post reported a story in which the conditions at Walter Reed Hospital's outpatient unit were exposed. The article described neglected facilities and a "messy bureaucracy" that entangles and frustrates wounded soldiers and their families. The article unleashed a backlash within the news media, American homes, and the federal government.

The problems at Walter Reed were not unknown. Over recent years, congress has held hearings addressing the concerns of many regarding treatment of soldiers coming home from the Middle East. The hospital itself has had much praise. As the article points out, its treatment and surgical facilities are powerful. However, this corner of the hospital was neglected. After public outcry, the federal government -- the legislative and executive branches -- frantically responded. Now things are getting done. Now the people are enabled. Now it is a BIG deal.

These events illustrate the power of what has been called "the fourth branch of government". In short, our Constitution establishes three branches of government: the Legislative (which makes laws), Judicial (which interprets these laws in light of the Constitution), and Executive (which carries out and enforces these laws) branches. Unfortunately, even our transparent and democratically-appointed government has many areas of neglect and abuse.

In recent years the press has proven to be a tremendous asset to our country. As the proverb goes, "sunlight is the best of disinfectants". In our society, the press is sunlight that shines in the dark corners of government and communities, allowing "we the people" to communicate concerns, atrocities, and neglect in ways that hold those we elect accountable.