Tia Price

I have recently been in several conversations with US citizens in regards to the economy, the coming presidential switch, and other political matters very close to mosts hearts today. In those conversations I have discovered something very disturbing. Each one based their opinion/arguments/knowledge on the “facts” from one media outlet. Their loyalty to one local news station, CNN, USA Today, or some other media was amusing to me. How could they claim to have all the facts by reviewing only one source of information?

Even our high school English teachers taught us (I hope) that we can not expect to write a convincing or credible paper by only citing one source. They also taught that the credibility of each source was just as important. How, as an adult, does one expect to inform or persuade another to believe as they do with a singular source?

When asked a question, they neglect common sense to quote the latest TV political celebrity news “expert”. When asked to explain what they mean by the quote, they retreat to anger or abandon the conversation due to (as they assume) the lack of the questioner’s knowledge about the topic. How can we ever expect for the people to demonstrate their power in our government when they are not properly informed?

I challenge each reading this to make an effort to become informed. Completely informed. Seek out information across media and political lines. Challenge yourself to learn one piece of information regarding political issues at least three times a week. Pull out that old Government book and review how our government works and why people from other countries risk their lives to try to attain what we take for granted for their children. Dare to step out and use common sense to form your own opinions.