This phenomenon of “fake news” or purposeful misinformation has me concerned. When I was young, a CBS news journalist named Walter Cronkite would tell the nation what was going on each night. We always took his reports as gospel, the truth. These days you can’t make the simple assumption that what you heard or read as news was actually true. It creates conflict. I wonder if these fabrications destabilize our community and our nation. I wonder if they cause us to distrust our neighbors, coworkers, friends and national allies (Canadians, Mexicans, etc). That’s how I’m feeling about the claim by President Trump of 3-5 million fraudulent voters in our last election.
CNN recently did a “Fact Check” program, which quotes state, federal and academic studies that show that voter fraud is virtually nonexistent. I then watched CNN interviews with a fellow named Gregg Phillips who has been the author of the “voter fraud” claim. After one watches those interviews, you are driven to conclude that Gregg Phillips is purposefully spreading misinformation. So I find myself wondering, ‘Why is President Trump supporting Phillips’ claims?’ Same thing with the bussing of illegal voters in New Hampshire. What happens to our communities and nation when truthfulness by your President and their spokespersons cannot be assumed? I suggest we make every effort to avoid falling into the cesspool with these folks.
Go to the CNN website and click the box that has “Fact Checking Trump’s Claim On Voter Fraud” and “Man Behind Debunked Voter Fraud Claim.”
John Norton