When I was a child there was an often spoken proverb "believe nothing you hear and only half of what you see." I think the intent was that we should be suspicious of "hearsay." We don't often hear this little proverb now days, but I think it still has much to say about the goings on of our governments and especially the mouth piece of governments; the mainstream media.
If we Americans learn nothing else from the 2008 presidential election campaign we should all realize that the media bias (which is obvious) stands as a reminder that it is time (past time) to turn away and resort to another means of information gathering if we are to avoid the consequences of acting based upon false information.
The present war in the Middle East should "ring bells." Indeed the very present condition of our economy should "ring bells."
I am amazed at the minds of our young people in this country. They have not yet become "brainwashed" to the point of not being affected by the sounds of liberty and freedom. They are discovering the real laws of economy and liberty and the free market by a relatively new medium of information, the INTERNET.
Whether this was intentional on their part or just providential the facts remain that one can gather much information that includes falsehoods as well as truths and then utilize that indispensable tool of man called "THINKING and REASONING."
About three years ago I trashed my TV (literally) to make a statement to anyone who would notice! I have never regretted it! The most obvious results were that I felt happier, less depressed. Having read many writings by the authors and contributors on mises.org and its related web sites I now know that I wasn't completely insane in trashing my TV.
When I was a very young child I learned that the easiest and less painful way to respond to a bully or other children who would not play by the rules but insisted on making up their own rules, was simply to walk away and find another game or source of fun. I think it's time for Americans to walk away from the MSM. As a Minister of faith I know that nothing is more difficult than breaking from tradition. The MSM is an unprofitable tradition in American families. Just look at the progress that was made before it became a tradition! The internet may have started as a FAD but I hope it continues as tradition.
William Shakespeare has quoted or stated "the pen is mightier than the sword." I know of no intellectual that would argue with that. So it seems that we should choose the pen far more often than the sword. Educated to truth really is the only means by which any nation may have peace and prosperity.
It's not really necessary to avoid TV altogether. It's a good idea to keep one eye on the enemy while you are searching for truth. You can do that without falling for his many devices. A bird is not caught in a snare if he knows it's there! The owners of MSM are not altogether ignorant, only evil-minded. If enough people walk away the MSM will have to start playing by the rules more often. The free market really does work if we give it opportunity.
February 4, 2008
