What do you think of this regarding gossip being spread so much in politics it's hard to find the truth?

Question

What price do we as citizens pay for, and what are the effects on us of political "gossip & biased speculative" news?

Is it true?  
Is it necessary?
(Is it kind? I don't think this is applicable in politics anymore?)

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704160504574640111681307026.html

I'm so tired of political gossip (crazy *** things presented as fact when it's really opinion).  BIG difference and BIG stakes I think when it comes to politics.  It's unbelievable what some WILL believe and it's unbelievable what some WON'T believe.  Not to mention lies that are mere speculations of remotely possible (at most) worst case scenarios ...  presented as if it were a factual likelihood.  It's normal to speculate obviously .. but to a crazy extreme?  

It is hard to find the truth these days.  All the information you could want at your fingertips with the internet yet it's mostly a bunch of biased nonsense.  Learning to research efficiently is really important.  It's useless however if you can't discern FACT from opinion or speculation. We've heard that level of stupidity more than once in comments like "the body rejects rape sperm" paraphrased or Anthony Weiner's "it's not about me" comment!

DISCLAIMER:  I really DON'T expect politics to adhere to the is it kind rule.

ClicketyClack · Accepted Answer

Citizens pay a huge price for biased and speculative news, which is a nicer way of saying propaganda. When any audience is not likely to do research on a subject to check for the truth, they will also tend to get very angry and upset over "made up stories" that support whatever agenda the news agencies or special interest groups want them to support. 

It is costly to the citizens who do seek out the truth because they have to live under the unfair laws passed that are only supported by that propaganda. I'm glad that you don't expect politics to be "kind" because, although it never has been, it has descended to a name calling cesspool of lies in recent years.

? · Answer

Gossip occurs in all areas of society.Outright lies seem to be centralized in political and religious circles.

I view politics as a game.There are winners ,losers,tactics,rules,broken rules.I can find a "team" to root for,and enjoy the sport.It's sad that there are real life consequences to this game,but if you focus on that too much ,you'll go nuts with sadness and frustration.Much like other pro sports,all players on both sides are already bought and paid for,so all we have is the game,and the illusion that we have any real input.

y · Answer

I agree but without infringe on a persons rights, how do we get people to research or get the talking heads to only tell the truth. Even government sites have slants presented as facts.

L.T.M. · Answer

This reminds me of Obama saying we're overloaded with information. Well he fixed  that didn't he, since all his scandals broke.

 I can think for myself and sort things out. Thanks anyway.

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What do you think of this regarding gossip being spread so much in politics it's hard to find the truth?

4 Answers