A victim of war; the truth
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In this internet age, we like to think that we are better informed than previous generations, that what we read on the web is factual. However, we should be aware of sources for that information and skeptical of that which emanates from the government. Their desire to redesign the truth and control what information we receive hasn’t changed much in nearly 100 years:
“Facts must be distorted, relevant circumstances concealed, and a picture presented which by its crude coloring will persuade the ignorant people that their Government is blameless, their cause is righteous, and that the indisputable wickedness of the enemy is beyond question.
A moment’s reflection would tell any reasonable person that such obvious bias cannot possibly represent the truth. But the moment’s reflection is not allowed; lies are circulated with great rapidity. The unthinking mass accept them and by their excitement sway the rest.
The amount of rubbish and humbug that pass under the name of patriotism in wartime in all countries is sufficient to make decent people blush when they are subsequently disillusioned.”
-Arthur Ponsonby, Falsehood in Wartime, 1928
Tags: internet, sources, misinformation, ponsonby
4 Comments
PO'd Patriot
January 20th, 2007
at 6:57pm
…So exactly why do you think we should ONLY be skeptical of the goverment…?
Oh, that’s right! Because they’re the only ones with an agenda!
LOL!
wheelz
January 21st, 2007
at 2:08pm
Chris and Friends,
I don’t come to Lockergnome to get ‘political truths’. I come here to get technology information. I come here to get away from the constant barrage of politics thrown at me from both sides of the aisle. I certainly have my own opinions and bias, and I infact recognize what color glasses I see the world through, however I fear that lockergnome and it’s editorial staff are becoming more and more locked into posting their criticisms of the current administration. These increasing politically charged ‘truths’ are making me question whether lockergnome is more interested in becoming a political player than a technological one. Chris and Friends can certainly say their own piece and have their own opinions, but they must also realize that not everyone is going to agree with their ‘vision and so-called progressive clarity’, in fact you may end up turning away quite a few readers.
Sorry to see the direction this going,
Wheelz
PO'd Patriot
January 23rd, 2007
at 2:17pm
…Has the irony escaped you? By the that you didn’t approve my prior post YOU are guilty of “shaping the truth”.
So…
How does it feel to be what you hate?
outsider
February 19th, 2007
at 10:40pm
PO’d Patriot-I’d never suggest that anyone only be skeptical of the government. But I would suggest that everyone be skeptical of them among others.
Your posts were in the moderation queue like all are until approved. You’ve jumped to an unjustified conclusion.
wheelz-I’m sorry that you don’t approve of my statements. The wonderful thing about freedom of speech and the internet is that you aren’t being forced to read my posts. You may restrict yourself to only reading those things that support your point of view if you wish. Far be it from me to demand anyone accept having their views challenged or be forced to question their own values. I’m sure with a little help from Google you’ll find many sites that only post items with which you agree and won’t cause you the angst of discovering there are those who don’t see things the same way you do.