As promised, here's the rest of Dr. Glen Fenter's speech at the recent Charleston Chamber of Commerce banquet:

"So, where do we start? We're living in a time when the biggest threat to our communities isn't just what we disagree on -- it's whether we can even agree on what's true.

"Social media has made all of us publishers. But sadly, it hasn't made all of us editors. We have to slow down, check our sources, and always look for confirmation. If something makes you angry or afraid, that's the moment to pause, not share. If something is true, more than one credible source will report it. Today, truth isn't something we passively receive--it's something we have to actively pursue. And if nothing else, it's always best to remember what your mother told you: If you don't have anything good to say, then don't say it!

"Another growing threat to our future hides in the form of dark money. We're talking about political spending where the true donors are hidden. The 2010 Supreme Court Citizens United decision changed the playing field. No longer are there restrictions against widespread political spending by corporations, unions, and special interest groups. Across the country and here in Arkansas, dark money is now pouring into state and local elections in record amounts, bringing with it agendas that most often have narrowly focused out of state special interest agendas at their core.

"And the politics of smaller rural states like ours are particularly vulnerable. With no limits to dark money spending, a........

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