Fact
From Wikipedia:
Generally, a fact is defined as something that is true, something that actually exists, or something having objective reality that can be verified
according to an established standard of evaluation.
It’s not really quite that simple unfortunately – there’s much more to consider in determining what is fact – what is truth. The explanation
launches into philosophy pretty quickly – you can read more here:
en.wikipedia.org...
If we’re talking about sources of information or news, I think the words: “can be verified” are what most of us will agree determines what is
fact.
I only bring it up because of how much discussion there’s been revolving around whether or not the article in question uses facts – at all.
When it comes to a news source, or information in general - from any source, it should always be a case of
buyer beware. We each are
responsible for what we make of the news, how we let it influence our thinking, our decisions - our lives. It requires critical thinking - something
I'm sure we each believe is what we use all the time.
We don’t - we're all guilty from time to time of interpreting information so that it works with what we already believe. I say all of us - because
it's almost impossible not to mold the information we take in to fit what we’re already expecting.
There are many forums here at ATS where you can get by without the same dedication to critical thought that’s absolutely necessary in other forums.
With some topics it's fine to speculate - theorize - extrapolate - let your imagination run wild. In fact - those threads can't even get off the
ground unless you do.
Critical thinking is work - it's not based on emotions or what’s comfortable, quick or easy. And it doesn’t depend on faith or belief. We
shouldn’t allow ourselves to be in the position of believing “it might be true” :-)
When it comes to the news – it can only be useful if it contains facts.
We want to believe that no one would lie to us. Well, we can believe whatever we want or need to believe – but, if we’re angry at some point
because of the things that happen as a result of our trust – and trust alone - it’s not just the fault of our sources.
which is actually where I’m going with all this
something that may seem trivial or inconsequential – especially when it’s camouflaged by the sea of information that surrounds it – can set a
precedent
if no one questions it, it becomes accepted - as fact. It then goes on to become part of history and a solid mass of information-less information that
the public just assumes is true – because they’ve heard it repeated over and over. This truth-less truth can then been used as the basis for
legislation.
I’m sure that many people who have been following this and other discussions concerning this one article from ABC are wondering – why? What kind
of nutcases would get so worked up over one simple throwaway article buried in a mountain of throwaway articles? Why take it so personally?
Because it’s opinion – and opinion posing as fact is a dangerous thing – in the long run
The simple truth about this particular article and all the attention it’s managed to attract is – it may be much ado about nothing. I can’t know
what the motive or reason for this article really is. However – even if there was nothing behind this articles apparent “lack of article” beside
haste to fill empty space – and writing without any real investigation, it was approved and allowed to be set in stone by someone – on view for
all the world to see.
It does contain opinions and observations – from professionals even. No matter what their credentials might be – opinion isn’t the same as
verifiable facts.
And people are right to be upset about this little article – not because of what it implies (or, not just because of what it implies) but because it
was allowed to be “printed” at all. It demonstrates what’s happening to the news in general.
To the people who would just as soon look at this as completely inconsequential and overblown – they should consider how not expecting more from
their news sources may come back to bite them in the ass one day. It will probably seem more important to them - when it’s about something that's
actually important to them.
It won’t be the fault of the media – respect and trust have to be earned – earned from people who have high standards and an expectation of
excellence and integrity. If you want the truth you have to insist on the truth – not just once in a while – but all the time.
That part is up to us.
This is why such a simple thing as a fact is so important – it’s verifiable – by everyone. We can disagree with each other about how to
interpret those facts – but we should all be able to agree on what the facts really are.
When I read through the comments section of any newspaper or magazine, or on any website – I’m always happy to see how many people go out of their
way to jump on bad information, question the “facts” or call into question anything that doesn’t add up – demand an explanation. I’m not
sure how much they influence the news in the end – but, it’s not for lack of trying.