We live in confusing, disturbing, concerning times, which seem to be unlike any, in recent memory! While this President often refers to anything, or anyone, who disagrees with him, his actions, statements, etc, as Fake News or Fake Facts, the vast majority of political fact – checkers, state, he has made an alarming number of false statements (often, repeating or doubling – down on them), misstatements, and told lies, thousands of times, since he assumed the office of the Presidency. Most polls indicate, Trump is mistrusted by the majority of Americans, but, his core supporters, seem to believe and follow him, regardless of the position, statement, etc! How can one differentiate – between, and recognize, real facts, as opposed to fake ones, in order to be able to make better – educated decisions, and know, what makes the most sense? With that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, 4 factors, and/ or, considerations, which might help to realize the difference.
1. Labeling anything he opposes, or disagrees with, as Fake News: Although, many of his predecessors, at times, had issues and differences, with specific members of the news media, in recent memory, we have never witnessed anyone, who has sparred – with, or treated the Press, with as little respect, etc. When a President refers to the media, as The enemy of the people, and his core supporters, respond, in a violent, and/ or, threatening manner, this isn’t normal, helpful, or healthy, for our nation! One of the key principles of our Constitution is Freedom of the Press, and when, the occupant of the White House, seeks to limit this, and even, oppress it, there is an inherent danger! The wisest thing, for each individual, is probably, to evaluate, thoroughly, the actual facts, the source of the information, and the documentation. While, everyone is entitled to his own opinion, this doesn’t provide anyone, with his own set of facts!
2. Record number of lies, etc: Most historians, as well as our own memories, and observations, seem to indicate, Donald Trump lies, more than any previous public figure! It seems, whether it’s a major or minor matter/ issue, he is challenged, by telling the truth! Even, when his own words, are available on video, he continues telling his version, and proclaiming, he is being mistreated!
3. An opinion is different from a fact: How often, he has articulated his personal opinion, personal/ political agenda, and/ or, self – interest, as being the real facts, is, at least, concerning! It is, also, potentially, a clear and present danger, to the most relevant, sustainable actions. Mere, populist rhetoric is not desirable leadership!
4. Science matters!: Whether, it is about Climate Change, environmental responsibility/ safety, equal justice, and/ or, protecting all the rights, etc, of all Americans, President Trump articulates his personal beliefs, even when it means, denying science, and/ or, logic! Especially, during the present pandemic, his statements, in terms of the duration, dangers, etc, of this virus, treatments, it is, neither, normal, or, probably, in the nation’s best interest!
Wake up, America, and don’t be misled by someone, claiming, those who disagree, are stating, Fake News, unless/ until, the true evidence, documentation, and preponderance of the facts, demonstrates, such! Insist on better, and genuine integrity!