text: Regarding fake news, you said:
  "A sense exists across the spectrum of political inclinations that the recent presidential campaign was, above all, an unremitting and damaging assault on valued traditions and decorum. Perhaps no departure from the norm was so dangerous as the ugly attacks on standard journalism and the concomitant and utter disregard for facts that, sadly, won the day."
  Please, this fake news began with Ronald Reagan and his buddy Pope John Paul II. Today's GOP and Religious Right lies and endless viciousness and endless fake news (outright lying) really began with Teflon man Reagan.
  Their desire to get Reagan elected was borne of lies, racism, inuenndo, etc,etc.
  Let us recall the character assassination and innuendo of SE. Joe McCarthy ( R-Wis, Catholic, alcoholic) and the anti-communism witch trials.