Be Informed

In our world of current affair shows, spin doctors and a bad news sells media approach it is difficult to know what to believe or at times where you stand on issues. More and more we are being bombarded by opinions from the so-called ‘experts’ and issues from far and wide makes it all become extremely overwhelming at times.

It would appear that gone are the days when a journalist’s prime motivation and purpose was to reveal the truth and approach every story in an objective manner. With all of this information, becoming somewhat chaotic at times, what does the average Joe do when he wants to get a handle on what is happening in his or her community, city and the world?

From my perspective there are two choices we need to make. The first choice would be to ignore it all and live in a little bubble in your own back yard. To do this you would need to turn off the television and radio plus stop you would have to stop your newspaper and magazine delivery service and for goodness sakes you would have to stay off line! Appealing as this sounds (at times) it probably isn’t the most socially responsible option.

The second choice I believe is to be informed. Know what you stand for and I mean really know what you stand for and why you stand for whatever it is you are standing for (that sounded funny). Read as much as you can, however keep in mind that most of your sources have an agenda so don’t take everything as fact (also the Star or News of the World probably isn’t the most factual of publications….anyone who has watched ‘So I married and Axe Murderer’ knows what I’m talking about). If you feel really strongly about an issue, take action. Write to the person who has influence in the area you are concerned with and let your well thought out, valid thoughts be heard.

Remember, we can all make a difference in this world and we all have a voice.

Annie