Thought of the Week

Some recent examples of distortions of facts have appeared on major media. An NPR interview gave extensive time to an author who stated that the Islamic religion is basically an evil one that seeks only hatred. Another show allowed an in-depth interview with a CIA spokesman who said that the agency never becomes involved with killing. Brit Hume stated that the Buddhist religion doesn’t allow forgiveness like Christianity.

If we value the First Amendment and oppose censorship, I dare to ask, should we allow blatant distortions? Doesn’t the forum have an obligation to feature ideas and opinions that are based on facts?

1) Any opinion is worthy even if the facts and ideology is totally incorrect — the listener will decide on the value of the information.

2) Forums should be focused on the opinions based on facts, and fact checking based on the questions being asked by the interviewer should occur before any discussion.

3) If a forum allows someone to express their opinions regardless of whether that person distorts the facts, then the forum should provide an equal opportunity for the “other” side to defend themselves.

4) Why is space and time being given to these types of people in the first place? Aren’t these forums simply promoting the demonization of various religious, ethnic, political groups, etc without any constructive discourse?

5) Other

List your choice of answer (or answers), or an alternative in the Comment section. If you pick answer #5, include an example as to why you picked "Other".

Image courtesy of newscaststudio.com

Thought Of The Week

It comes as no shock that former baseball player Mike McGuire admitted using steroids for at least a decade including 1998, when he broke Roger Maris’ single season home run record. McGuire stated that he took steroids for “health purposes” and that he did not use them to increase his strength or bat speed. McGuire’s confession along with the confessions of other sports figures (like Tiger Woods), politicians, CEO’s, etc. that have fallen from grace, raises an interesting question about human behavior and the lengths that we will go to get ahead.

If given the opportunity, will the average person try to take the easy way out?

1) The average person is hard working and truthful and will always try to achieve his or her goals in as straightforward and honest a way as possible.

2) If given the opportunity to bend or break the rules without the chance of getting caught, the average person will take the opportunity even if he or she knows it’s wrong.

3) A person cheating, lying or breaking the rules will try to rationalize their actions to deflect blame or culpability.

4) The higher up a person is on the social, economic or political ladder, the more untouchable they feel making it easier for them to commit wrongdoing.

5) Other

List your choice of answer (or answers), or an alternative in the Comment section. If you pick answer #5, include an example as to why you picked "Other".

Mark McGuire image courtesy of Reuters.