So dear reader, I sit and write on a rare Monday morning away from work; using some PTO to celebrate my birthday last week. It is still early, too early to head off for our short getaway destination, so I am relaxing with a cup of coffee and my PC, reading up on all the weekend “news”. Yes – “news”, not news. I write it that way because there is no more real news – at least that I’ve found in my searches. It used to be that the news reporters would factually report what had happened and let us figure out how we felt about it. But now, they tell us how we feel about it and let us try to figure out if it actually happened.
We, as a society, are absolutely obsessed with stubborn ownership of our opinions and the overt demonstration of anything that, in our minds, proves us right – even if we have to invent the “facts”. Yes, lie. Or at least present a half-truth. We’ve lost sight of objectivity, of rational thought, of free speech, and of any form of perspective. We used to be a society of free-thinking people capable of lateral thought – an analog thought process that allowed degrees of belief and recognition that someone who held the opposite opinion might actually hold some fact and truth in their perspective. We could read about, or watch, an event – whether political, social, environmental, or whatever – and make up our own minds about how we feel about it. Trust the facts, analyze the data and previous knowledge, and make up your own mind where you stood on the matter. But now the “facts” are few and far between, heavily overshadowed by adjectives and adverbs designed to steer the recipient towards the desired conclusion.
Without meaning to “stir” any pots, some examples from a couple of news websites. First off, with everything going on in the world this morning, the lead story on all the websites is about the Oscars; in particular on the best picture being won by The Green Book. First off, personally I really am not sure I could possibly care less which film won Best Picture. At all. It is barely a novelty to me; a tidbit that does not enrich or fulfill my life in any way, shape, or form. But beyond that, they are not (of course) just telling me who won; they are telling me how I should feel about it. Depending upon the website, without knowing anything about the movie or the intent behind the writer, I am told I should be outraged; I should be enraged; I should be boiling with the injustice of this film winning. Not suggesting it through clever writing – they are actually stating that factually. I have no opinion and I have no choice, it seems. I am told it is a horrible film and I should take to social media to denounce the choice. And people are doing exactly that; most of them having never seen the movie; never having the chance to make up their own minds.
And it just gets worse from there; “news” stories laden with opinion, biased views, and directional writing completely void of objectivity and in many cases, fact. All proffered with the intent of making up my mind for me before I even have the opportunity to read or think about the material. The teasingly leading headlines prepare me to swallow the meat of the “news”, should I be led to click on it with terms like troubling, heartwarming, outrageous, and shocking. Think back to the carnies hawking the midway sideshows years ago: “You’ll be shocked…..” ….”the horrifying sight waiting inside….”……”no one allowed in with a failing heart….” Or think of the horror movies tactics of yesteryear: no one seated in the final 20 minutes, no one allowed in without a vomit bag, etc. They set the emotional stage for us before we ever even walked in; steeped in sensationalism and painting the picture for us more vividly than our imagination ever could. Such is the “news” today.
In fact, I’ve seen “news” articles begin “What John Public said and why you should be outraged” or “Why (pick your headline topic) is so damaging to us and our well-being” How dare they assume I am not sufficiently intelligent or adequately informed to make up my own mind? Let ME decide if I am outraged or not; let ME decide if something affects my well-being. You are free to tell me that not getting enough Vitamin C or D is contrary to my good health, at least as long as you also provide unbiased and factual empirical data. But don’t tell me I should be outraged and need to express that indignation on Twitter because some car in South Carolina has a Confederate flag painted on it. Let me make up my own mind please?
I know, I know…..I am not far astray from my own allegations by broad-stroking the news media such as I am, nor in how I am seeming to imply that most people today are unthinking robots whose emotions and perspective are ruled by what the media instructs them. And that is certainly not my intent. There are a myriad of independent and unbiased news sources out there; but we should not have to search for them – we should not be on guard every time we seek information. And there are absolutely a huge number of people who are free thinkers and let the facts make up their minds and who are more than astute enough to separate real news from fake news – the majority in fact, I believe.
But this is a problem and it is happening in the midst of a societal wave of “not my fault” and “what about my feelings” that is washing over all of the country, the world, with an ever increasingly storm of social media outcries. A culture of expectation and entitlement. And couple that with such pointedly biased and subjective news reporting and all you get is greater strife and less accountability.
Pendulums often swing far; the polar ends are often miles apart from one another. But their path is always predictable and reliable (at least on this planet). While our current morays may be somewhat excessively distant from the core concepts with which I grew up and so fervently embraced, they belong to this current generation and I recognize that – I have the perspective to know that. But I also know that eventually the apogee of the pendulum will be reached and we will begin the journey back in the other direction. And knowing that, I will avoid popular news websites and TV channels and will continue to form my decisions on how I feel about something based upon my beliefs, my principles, and my free thought. And I will not be offended by other folks generating outrage because Twitter told them they should. Alarmed, perhaps; disappointed, for sure; but not offended. Such is one of the lessons in life.
Muchas gracias. ?Como puedo iniciar sesion?
I think this is one of the most vital information for me.
And i’m glad reading your article. But wanna remark on some general things, The
web site style is perfect, the articles is
really nice : D. Good job, cheers
I have recently started a web site, the info you offer on this website
has helped me greatly. Thanks for all of your time & work.
Also visit my blog post Moscatcher (cadets.wycombeaircadets.org)
Wow, amazing blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your site is magnificent, as well
as the content!
Here is my homepage :: Infinuity CBD [Ciara]
It is the best time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy.
I’ve read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you few interesting things or tips.
Perhaps you can write next articles referring to this article.
I desire to read more things about it!
My website – Houston
Thank you for another informative blog. Where else may just I am getting that type of information written in such a perfect way?
I have a project that I am simply now operating on, and
I’ve been on the glance out for such information.
Feel free to visit my webpage: http://www.fles.hlc.edu.tw
Why users still use to read news papers when in this technological world all is accessible on web?
Here is my page: Wawza Apple Cider Vinegar Review
I am curious to find out what blog platform you’re using?
I’m experiencing some minor security issues with my latest website and I would like to find something more safe.
Do you have any solutions?
I’m extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog.
Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself?
Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a great blog like this one today.
Have a look at my site Infinuity CBD Gummies Reviews (http://www.koan.at)
I got what you mean, regards for posting. Woh I am lucky to find this website through
google.
Here is my blog post … Luiresse Reviews (http://www.meteoritegarden.com)
Excellent post. Keep writing such kind of information on your page.
Im really impressed by your site.
Hello there, You have done an excellent job. I will
definitely digg it and personally suggest to my friends.
I am sure they will be benefited from this site.
I was suggested this website through my cousin. I’m not sure
whether or not this post is written through him as no
one else understand such distinctive approximately my trouble.
You are amazing! Thank you!
Also visit my website; VikingXL Keto
I think you have observed some very interesting points, regards for the post.
my website – Niva CBD Gummies
It’s hard to come by knowledgeable people about this subject, however, you sound like
you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
Hello everybody, here every person is sharing these familiarity, thus it’s pleasant
to read this web site, and I used to pay a quick visit this website
every day.
I used to be able to find good advice from your content.
Thanks for helping out, wonderful info.
my web-site … BioShed Keto Slim
I seriously love your blog.. Very nice colors & theme.
Did you create this site yourself? Please reply back as I’m attempting to create my own site
and would like to learn where you got this from or what the theme is named.
Kudos!
My blog post … Pure Keto Burn Pills
Pretftү component to content. I just stumbleԀ upon your
blog and inn accession capital to say that I acquire in fact ⅼovesd account your weblog posts.
Any way I’ll be subscribing in your augent and
even I succеss yoᥙ get admission tօ persistently rapidly.
I’m not sure why but this web site is loading extremely slow for me.
Is anyone else having this issue or is it a problem on my end?
I’ll check back later on and see if the problem still exists.
Great blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
A design like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make my blog shine.
Please let me know where you got your design. Kudos
Review my web site; Bio Shed Keto – https://forums.feasycom.Com/ –
Hi, for all time i used to check webpage posts here in the early hours in the
morning, for the reason that i enjoy to learn more and more.
Thanks for some other informative web site. Where else could
I am getting that kind of information written in such an ideal way?
I’ve a project that I am simply now running on, and I’ve been on the look out for such information.
I believe this is among the so much significant information for me.
And i’m glad studying your article. But wanna statement on few normal issues,
The site taste is great, the articles is in reality nice : D.
Good task, cheers
My homepage … 163.30.42.16
Wonderful goods from you, man. I’ve be aware your stuff prior to and
you are just extremely magnificent. I actually like what you
have got here, certainly like what you’re stating and the
way by which you are saying it. You’re making it enjoyable and you continue to
take care of to stay it sensible. I can’t wait to read much more from you.
This is really a wonderful site.
Simply want to say your article is as astounding.
The clarity in your post is simply cool and i
could assume you’re an expert on this subject.
Fine with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post.
Thanks a million and please continue the
enjoyable work.
Feel free to surf to my website – Niva CBD Gummies
With havin so much content do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright
violation? My site has a lot of completely unique content I’ve either authored myself or outsourced but it appears
a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my authorization.
Do you know any techniques to help stop content from being ripped off?
I’d genuinely appreciate it.
I was wondering if you ever considered changing the page layout of
your website? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
But maybe you could a little more in the way of content
so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one
or two pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?
Here is my web page: NeoPodz Review
Your style is very unique in comparison to other folks
I’ve read stuff from. Thanks for posting when you’ve
got the opportunity, Guess I will just book mark this
blog.
Feel free to visit my homepage Vialis Male Enhancement Reviews
What’s up, this weekend is nice in favor of me, as this occasion i
am reading this impressive informative paragraph here at my residence.
Link exchange is nothing else but it is simply
placing the other person’s webpage link on your page at suitable place and other person will also do
similar for you.
I read this paragraph completely on the topic of the comparison of hottest and
preceding technologies, it’s remarkable article.
Also visit my web-site: Vinyasa Organics Cream
Definitely, what a magnificent website and educative posts, I surely
will bookmark your site.Have an awsome day!
Review my webpage – duna-anapa.net.ru
Howdy would you mind stating which blog platform you’re working with?
I’m going to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a difficult time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
The reason I ask is because your design seems different then most blogs and
I’m looking for something completely unique.
P.S Sorry for getting off-topic but I had to ask!
Stop by my webpage – http://www.zgyssyw.com
Hello, yeah this piece of writing is genuinely pleasant and I have learned lot of things from it regarding blogging.
thanks.
Feel free to visit my web page Natural Burn Keto Reviews
This blog was… how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I’ve found something that helped me.
Appreciate it!
Stop by my web-site – Infinuity CBD Reviews
I really love your website.. Great colors & theme. Did you make this
site yourself? Please reply back as I’m hoping to create my own website and would like to learn where you got this from
or what the theme is called. Cheers!
My homepage :: loft39.com
This is built using the templates in WordPress – thanks!!
Rattling fantastic information can be found
on web site.
Here is my website – Luiresse Skin
Hello.This article was really fascinating, particularly since I was browsing for thoughts on this topic last Saturday.
Here is my web site – Vibrance Labs Ketorol
I was recommended this blog by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by
him as nobody else know such detailed about my problem.
You’re amazing! Thanks!
my web site http://www.degess.com/
I am regular reader, how are you everybody? This piece of
writing posted at this web page is genuinely good.
Also visit my web blog: Arctos Personal Air Cooler
I simply could not leave your website prior to suggesting that I really enjoyed the standard info an individual provide in your visitors?
Is going to be back often in order to check out new posts
What’s up to all, how is everything, I think every one
is getting more from this website, and your
views are nice in support of new viewers.
I’ve read several good stuff here. Definitely price bookmarking for revisiting.
I surprise how much attempt you place to create this type of great informative website.
May I simply say what a comfort to uncover somebody
that truly understands what they’re discussing on the net.
You definitely realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important.
A lot more people have to read this and understand this
side of your story. I was surprised that you are not
more popular because you definitely have the gift.
Feel free to visit my web-site :: Luiresse Skin (Sherrill)
Hey there just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of
the images aren’t loading correctly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue.
I’ve tried it in two different internet browsers and
both show the same outcome.
You could certainly see your enthusiasm within the work you write.
The arena hopes for more passionate writers like you who
are not afraid to mention how they believe. Always
follow your heart.
I like the valuable information you provide in your articles.
I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently. I’m quite certain I’ll learn plenty of
new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!
whoah this blog is excellent i like reading your
posts. Stay up the great work! You recognize, lots
of individuals are looking around for this information, you could aid them greatly.
Good day! This post couldn’t be written any better!
Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate!
He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this page to him.
Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!
Wow! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a completely different subject but
it has pretty much the same page layout
and design. Great choice of colors!
Here is my web-site :: Optimum Keto Pills (http://mtasa-forum.com/index.php?action=profile;u=244077)
I have been reading out a few of your articles and i must say pretty good stuff.
I will surely bookmark your blog.
My website; Hydrofirm Cream
It?s hard to come by knowledgeable people about this subject, but you sound like you know what you?re talking
about! Thanks
Here is my web-site; Infinuity CBD Gummies Cost (countrysidetravels.com)
Piece of writing writing is also a fun, if you know then you can write otherwise it is complicated to write.
Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all of us you actually realize
what you are talking about! Bookmarked. Kindly additionally talk over
with my site =). We may have a link change arrangement
between us
Here is my website :: Hydrofirm Cream
This is a really good tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere.
Short but very accurate info? Thank you for sharing this one.
A must read post!
Feel free to visit my website – Insights CBD Gummies Reviews
Exceptional post however , I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this subject?
I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit further.
Appreciate it!
Look at my blog post Molten Keto Garcinia
Thanks so much pertaining to giving me personally an update on this subject matter on your web site.
Please realize that if a fresh post appears or in the
event that any modifications occur about the current article, I would consider reading more and understanding how to make good
using of those methods you share. Thanks for your time and consideration of other
folks by making this site available.
Also visit my blog … Molten Keto Garcinia
I all the time emailed this webpage post page to all my contacts, as
if like to read it afterward my contacts will too.
Feel free to surf to my web site – Maximum Recall Pills
Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was once a amusement account it.
Glance complicated to far brought agreeable from you!
However, how can we keep in touch?
I am really enjoying the theme/design of your blog. Do you ever run into any browser compatibility problems?
A couple of my blog readers have complained about my website not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Opera.
Do you have any advice to help fix this problem?
Here is my homepage Far East XL
Magnificent site. A lot of helpful info here. I am
sending it to a few friends ans additionally sharing in delicious.
And naturally, thank you in your effort!
Hi! I’ve been reading your weblog for some time now and finally
got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from New Caney Texas!
Just wanted to mention keep up the good job!
Its like you read my thoughts! You appear to understand a lot about this, such as you wrote
the e book in it or something. I think that you just can do with a few p.c.
to force the message house a bit, but instead of that, that
is fantastic blog. A great read. I will certainly be back.
I am really impressed with your writing skills and also with the format for your blog.
Is that this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself?
Anyway keep up the excellent high quality writing, it’s uncommon to look a great weblog like this one today.
I?m impressed, I have to admit. Rarely do I come across a blog that’s both equally educative and engaging, and let me tell
you, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The problem is an issue that
not enough people are speaking intelligently about.
Now i’m very happy that I came across this during my search for something concerning
this.
It’s actually a nice and helpful piece of information. I am glad that you
just shared this helpful information with us.
Please stay us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
It’s hard to find educated people about this subject, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks