TV news programs have gone beyond simply reporting what candidates say. They now add analyses of their truthfulness.
Time was, broadcasters repeated the words of Candidate A and added contrasting statements from Candidate B. This left judgment of the veracity of either to listeners.
Recently, however, candidates use video clips of violence in another state as evidence of their claim of violence in their home city.
Another tactic is to call any problem in a state legislature the direct responsibility of a federal official from another state.
Historically, dictators have succeeded in dominating their nations when the news media fail to expose their lies and succumb to government control of what to print.
But.
A free press is an imperative key to a free society.
This is true even when some news outlets are little more than propaganda machines for their preferred political group. However, as long as other news outlets are free to offer contrary information, the nation will stall any attempt at dictatorial control.
The U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom for every side. It is up to readers and listeners to decide whether the information offered is true, misleading or false.
This is where education and responsibility become intensely important. Without responsibility among readers and viewers, the nation's voters become victims of propaganda tactics from politicians, and the nation succumbs to a dictatorial regime.
It's useful to remember that the term "regime" comes from the same root as the term "rex." And that means "king."
Time was, broadcasters repeated the words of Candidate A and added contrasting statements from Candidate B. This left judgment of the veracity of either to listeners.
Recently, however, candidates use video clips of violence in another state as evidence of their claim of violence in their home city.
Another tactic is to call any problem in a state legislature the direct responsibility of a federal official from another state.
Historically, dictators have succeeded in dominating their nations when the news media fail to expose their lies and succumb to government control of what to print.
But.
A free press is an imperative key to a free society.
This is true even when some news outlets are little more than propaganda machines for their preferred political group. However, as long as other news outlets are free to offer contrary information, the nation will stall any attempt at dictatorial control.
The U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom for every side. It is up to readers and listeners to decide whether the information offered is true, misleading or false.
This is where education and responsibility become intensely important. Without responsibility among readers and viewers, the nation's voters become victims of propaganda tactics from politicians, and the nation succumbs to a dictatorial regime.
It's useful to remember that the term "regime" comes from the same root as the term "rex." And that means "king."
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