The dangers of social media and why we should all be sad to see the end of HBO's "The Newsroom."

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I remember when this happened, and when I recoiled in horror at what these amateur sleuths had done in response to that terrible Boston Marathon bombing.

If you remember there was misinformation coming from all directions, much of it driven by the Right Wing mistrust of the government and their absolute certainty that the Obama administration was covering an attack by a known terrorist group.

Hell Glenn Beck was even sued for defamation after making up some insane conspiracy theories.

The Newsroom does something quite unique, and in my opinion quite necessary.

It not only holds puts the media on notice for its cowardice in reporting uncomfortable facts, or for cowering in the face of the conservative forces. It also holds up a mirror so that the public can see themselves revealed for their willingness to be poorly served by our politicians and our media, and how easily we allow ourselves to be manipulated by fear mongering or directed by our prejudices.

I for one will greatly miss what The Newsroom brings to the debate.