We seem to be living, in the era of fake, or false news! Sometimes, there are, simply, a few faulty aspects of an otherwise accurate report, while other times, the entire statement or article, is a total misstatement. It appears, both sides of the political spectrum, take advantage of these types of tactics. While this is probably, not a new phenomenon, for a variety of reasons, we seem to be witnessing, an epidemic of these. Individuals, who rarely tell the truth, attacks their opponents, by claiming, anything, written or stated, which opposes them, are fake facts! How is anyone, to know, what might be true, and which reports, are not?
1. Why does it appear, this is more prevalent, today?: Are we actually, witnessing more of this, or does it, only seem that way? In the past, there were far fewer forms of, press media, and coverage was predominantly covered, by a few newspapers, magazines, television, and radio stations. Today, with the growth of cable television, satellite radio, and, of course, the Internet, it seems, there are endless numbers of outlets. While we used to rely, on the reputation of the company, and developed a degree of trust on certain news anchors, such as Walter Cronkite, David Brinkley, and Chet Huntley, etc, today, instead of balanced reporting, certain appear to focus on the conservative, or right – wing, positions, while others, are more progressive, or left – wing. The major networks, and the cable ones (which are owned by major companies), often, skew their reports, according to their perspectives, positions, and the demographics of the viewing audience. How often, have we observed, one specific company, appears to focus, and report, far further to the so – called, right, than the others?
2. The Donald Trump Phenomenon: Whether one supports, and believes in, or opposes and despises/ fears, etc, most agree, Donald Trump, is significantly different, than those, who proceeded him! His campaign appeared to bring hope, and to a degree, idol – worship, to/ from, his core supporters, and he used rhetoric, and vitriol, to encourage. and even enable them, to view things, as, us, versus them! Most political fact – checkers state, President Trump, had lied consistently, and constantly, at a record pace, even for a politician. He seems to change positions, as the wind blows, and while, proclaiming himself, as the so – called, master of negotiating, his style is an adversarial/ polarizing one, rather than a unifying one.
3. Why do his supporters continue to support him, and believe in him?: There are many theories, but I believe, the major reason, is the message, he articulates, is what they want to hear. He stokes their fears, and appears to enable them, so they feel justified, with their often – prejudiced positions, which they believe benefit them. They don’t seem to care about his lies and, even, actions, as long as he continues to articulate a message, the want to hear!
Wake up, America, because, until/ unless, you do, our nation will no longer, remain the country, which represents, liberty, freedom, and justice, for all. We’ve seen this before, and the impact, in history, was consistently, a sad one!
