"In a political debate the man who is forming a judgment is making a decision about his own vital interests. There is no need, therefore, to prove anything except that the facts are what the supporter of a measure maintains they are."
-Aristotle's Rhetoric
The sheer immediacy of the internet means that bad ideas are likely to spread quickly, but the vast amount of information and resources available online also make it much easier to look for good ideas and information. But where to begin?
In addition to looking for your news from multiple sources, you can use the resources of Watchdog Groups to help you find the facts related to an issue. Watchdog organizations exist to hold politicians and political rhetoric accountable to their claims. They also provide resources for you to do your own fact checking for issues you're interested in. (FactCheckED.org has some good tips on how to approach new information skeptically.)
As Americans, our interests extend beyond our jobs and our families, because our tax dollars and our elected representatives continue to keep our military involved in actions around the world. The least we can do is be informed about the relevant facts and hold our politicians accountable for their votes.
In addition to looking for your news from multiple sources, you can use the resources of Watchdog Groups to help you find the facts related to an issue. Watchdog organizations exist to hold politicians and political rhetoric accountable to their claims. They also provide resources for you to do your own fact checking for issues you're interested in. (FactCheckED.org has some good tips on how to approach new information skeptically.)
As Americans, our interests extend beyond our jobs and our families, because our tax dollars and our elected representatives continue to keep our military involved in actions around the world. The least we can do is be informed about the relevant facts and hold our politicians accountable for their votes.
Keep in mind that political campaign ads frequently resort to blatant falsehoods right before elections because they are proven to change the minds of people who are uninformed and don't know the relevant facts. Will that be you?
Suggested watchdog groups online:
Opensecrets.org - Non-partisan watchdog tracking the influence of money on politics.
Factcheck.org - Non-partisan site looks at the claims behind political ads.
FAIR: Fairness & Accuracy In Reporting - A watchdog group for national media.
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