Truth, Democracy, and Accountability: A Necessary Reflection
In an era where information travels faster than our ability to process it, truth has become a fragile commodity. American society currently exists in a climate of mistrust and polarization—a climate largely fueled by the way media outlets interpret and transmit events. As a coach and author of the blog Living with Purpose ("Vivir con Propósito"), I observe with concern how this phenomenon affects not only politics but, above all, our emotional health, social coexistence, and a nation's capacity to forge its own destiny with clarity and responsibility.
The recent public debate surrounding the media coverage of January 6th and its impact on the figure of Donald Trump is a clear example of this challenge. Beyond political allegiances, what is truly at stake is the trust we place in the information we consume. When a global platform—such as the BBC or other major outlets—broadcasts content that is later questioned for its accuracy or impartiality, the damage does not fall solely on one individual. The damage is systemic. It erodes public credibility, undermines national cohesion, and fuels the notion that truth is relative—molded by editorial, political, or economic interests.
In this context, a hypothesis arises—still speculative—of a colossal lawsuit that could amount to billions of dollars. Beyond the specific figure, what is worth reflecting upon is the principle: What is the value of a country's reputation? What is the cost of restoring trust in institutions? Speaking in symbolic terms, the cost to the United States could be incalculable. The economic, social, and diplomatic consequences of misinformation or defamation can reach enormous dimensions, comparable even to national losses in productivity, social cohesion, political stability, or international standing.
Let us, then, imagine a hypothetical scenario: a lawsuit for an extraordinary amount occurs—one hundred billion dollars or more—and a significant portion of that sum is destined not for an individual, but for the strengthening of the country itself. What could be done with those resources? How could they be used to heal and build something better?
I visualize a transformative opportunity. A fund dedicated entirely to education, critical thinking, and democratic strengthening. Schools of law, political science, international relations, journalism, and philosophy... these are all fundamental areas for forming citizens capable of distinguishing facts from opinions, informing without manipulation, debating without destroying, and participating in public life with responsibility and moral clarity.
I imagine public universities receiving investments to modernize their programs, research journalistic ethics in the digital age, develop information verification technologies, and train future professionals in a culture of precision, respect, and transparency. I imagine town hall-style conferences traveling across the country, open to the public, where experts explain how truth is constructed in free societies, why freedom of speech cannot be an excuse for irresponsibility, and how every citizen has the responsibility to protect democracy from within their daily lives.
Because truth—beyond courts and lawsuits—is born in the human heart. It resides in the capacity to listen, to question oneself, to seek evidence, to acknowledge errors, and to act with integrity. A strong country is not one that wins lawsuits, but one that turns its crises into learning and growth.
Perhaps this discussion is gifting us an opportunity: to remember that Living with Purpose also means living with truth. And that defending democracy begins by educating ourselves, staying informed, and assuming our responsibility as citizens of a country that deserves the best of us.