From C. T:

“I realize this post is about finding truth, but to me the truth has always been rather elusive, whereas asking questions and contemplating the answers given (or not) have gained me a greater understanding of a complex situation.”

From Michelle:
“This one might be helpful as well…www.factcheck.org
It’s a site I like and was very helpful during the recent election.”

Let’s combine these two comments and try this as one path to being a truth finder…

1
Pick the area or areas of public life you are passionate about. Make sure you have some stake in it – a bit of self-interest is good because it keeps you engaged.

2
Accept that truth can be hard to pin down, given that each person observes reality through their own unique lens– and there are provable facts. Separating facts from opinions is a crucial skill to build if we are to be astute media and political watchdogs.

3
Get in the habit of posing to yourself or your media mates provocative questions while reading, watching or listening to the media or politicians but only when they are discussing your chosen area(s) of interest (See number 1). Ask questions that upset you or make you uneasy. Then research the facts are – factcheck.org is a grand place to start.
(This doesn’t have to take a lot of time but it certainly takes more time than being spoon-fed pre-digested media.)

What do you think? Does watching Lost and eating chocolate-doused popcorn sound like more fun? Then just research the facts for one story a week and see what you learn.

Comments?