With the widespread closure of international bureaus, and serious underfunding of those that remain open, American coverage of world affairs nears an all-time low. Today, the mainstream U.S. media often seems precariously close to preaching an official reality and severely restricting the average media consumer’s view of the world.

Jonathan Lethem’s most recent novel, Chronic City, parodies a New York City so exhausted by Iraq reports that the leading newspaper (a thinly-veiled New York Times) is compelled to produce a “War-free edition.” Although Iraq- and Afghanistan-fatigue is perhaps inevitable by this point, one could argue that democracy elevates staying informed to a civic responsibility.

The FCC’s International Bureau recently announced its approval of a license transfer for spectrum currently held by a mobile satellite service operator. The company that will now hold the spectrum license, Harbinger, plans to use portions of it to build a new terrestrial 4G wireless network that would serve a substantial majority of people living in the United States.

Something is rotten in the world of mobile fundraising.

Earlier this year, thousands of Americans donated to Haiti relief efforts, simply by sending text messages from their phones and donating $10 on the spot. It was a cool and easy way to donate to a good cause.

We are witnessing a critical moment in U.S. history that comes once in a lifetime.