…wanting something to be true so much so that one is willing to suspend good judgment, analysis, and common sense while distributing prejudiced points-of-view lacking verification. In other words, exaggerate, lie, spread unsubstantiated rumors, say pious things to distract from one’s motive while leading people to accept your word as truth with little justification except that someone else said it, so it must be true, and it fits what I want to believe anyway. This approach to communicating one’s thinking is lazy and haphazard while lacking in creativity.
There is a better way… check resources, is this factual or is it opinion? Is the story based on a known agenda? Has the story been fact-checked? Is this an emotional or intellectual argument? Do the principals involved have reason to be prejudiced for or against the person or idea? Have you been presented with both sides of the argument? Do you believe the person conveying the information, or who has generated it, is fully aware of all sides of the issue and has made an honest attempt at resolving the issues before pronouncing one view over the other? Is this fact or opinion? Is this wishful thinking?
One of the reasons I have migrated to a blog and semi-abandoned a social communication site is due to the above issues around false representation and the unsavory arguments that follow. Though, in due time, I expect that to happen on this blog as well as strong criticism and issue disputes. I am prepared to defend myself in a setting that can mask the identities of those who might criticize or take issue with me.
Those who might find the contents on these pages offensive, well, someone might be offended, but isn’t that the nature of a blog? And one can move on as it is not about loyalty to a blog that will reflect negatively on a religious or family member. All are welcome to read, comment, criticize or praise. My only concern, as above, is that the message left for me to read is clean, tidy and accurate.
Thoughts on Thoughts 