I agree that there is a definite barrier between the press and the masses, both in the questions that are asked by reporters and in which of those questions we are allowed to view as an audience. The point I would like to make is whether or not we, as consumers of the media, consider this to be a bad thing. Think for a moment about what it would be like to go directly to the source for all of our information. The press is designed to provide convenience, not all people want to know each and every detail of what a speaker has said, we don't have the time or the effort to listen to a 30 minute speech. I think that most people these days want to watch the news in the morning or evening, quickly be caught up to date, and get on with their day. So even though it's true that we are not getting all of the facts, I can't help but wonder if we necessary want all of the facts. In a day when time is almost as valuable as money, these barriers we speak of are only a small side effect of the convenience we require.