Just The Facts

Coming across an article in which the author had be been asked to give an opinion of another’s work. While not trying to debate the merits of the two authors opposing opinions , other than that each had attempted to dismiss the oppositions view, by citing what each seemed to believe as credible sources of the “FACTS”. Which resulted in the following statement from one.

“Stating ones opinion without citing any factual source and labeling it as “fact” does not make it so.”

Now as Bloggers, we are rarely CONSTRAINED by the never ending BIAS of our own OPINIONS indeed it is our most fervent ally, if not our only weapon in the war of words. Yet as stated previously, both had cited what each believed, “Credible Sources” to support their individual views.

Now during this 2008 Presidential campaign, those of us who blog in an attempt to support our respective candidates, must understand the importance of our sources. Often in researching the origin and holdings of even the most accredited NON-PARTISAN source, One finds bias through direct omission, most often in the form of and the amount of “INDEPENDENT SOURCE” confirmations.

Regardless of the format, whether printed, audio or video that you site as source you will find the “FACTS” both PRO and CON are supplied by the same INFORMATION BROKERS, and only varies by BIAS. Once having been edited to support the respective views of either PRO or CON in a chosen argument, It is then REPACKAGED and RE BRANDED and MARKETED for public CONSUMPTION! Much in the same manner that a PROMOTER of a Live Action VERSION of “SPONGE BOB SQUARE PANTS” would have you believe that it was the number one movie at the box office.

“Best movie of the summer” ~L.A. times, “Best film of 2008 Raves”~Gene Shallot, or ” The Chicago Tribune rates it Five Stars” ( Sorry Not a real movie, If anyone of you would have Bought tickets, You probably shouldn’t be reading my Blog)

In relying on your source it might be wise to research that source, “Who are their Stock holders?” , “Who are their Reporters” and “Who are their Reporters sources”, “do they cite those that are INDIRECT QUOTES or simply edit them and attempt and PASS THEM ON as DIRECT QUOTES to fit the story”? Simply because 3 million other subscribers are willing to STAND and TESTIFY in the name of a media source, Does not make them the PURVEYOR of indisputable “FACTS”! What’s more in you research of a source you will most often find that their STOCKHOLDERS, C.E.O.’s ,BOARD MEMBERS and REPORTERS are all members of the same “MEDIA GROUP”, PROFITING ( or PROPHETING ) by simply PANDERING INFORMATION and DISSEMINATION to both PRO and CON. With respect, For those of you who, in general, cite GOVERNMENT SPONSORED “FACTS”, I would submit that your source is already SUSPECT!

So who can you TRUST? Short answer NO ONE!

But might I suggest, never stating anything as the “FACTS”.