Trusting the media is impossible in 2020 but then it has been for a long time.  No one can make a reasoned determination about virtually anything when the information presented is, at best, half-truth or is slanted to formulate an idea or image that the presenters’ desire.  But that is the current state of ‘information’ in the American media, politics, and much of life.  That is a problem that is not easily overcome and one that can dismantle our system of government and destroy our republic. 

Some who identify as conservative and constitutionalist are so adamantly opposed to anything Trump, they appear willing to see America fall into the hands of the Leftists.  I cannot comprehend how anyone who truly loves America and embraces conservative values could support the Left who are devotedly anti those values. 

It is indefensible in my mind that anyone who believes the constitution is to be followed and honored would be willing to allow the Leftists to win.  The Leftist considers the constitution an outdated dinosaur that must be ignored, usurped, bypassed, or changed.  Amazingly those who individuals consider themselves patriots.  They see those of us who support Donald Trump in the fight against liberalism as idiots, cultists, traitors, or worse. 

It seems that those in that crowd repeatedly regurgitate the misinformation and deception of CNN, MSNBC.  I have encountered numerous, self-proclaimed defenders of liberty, who are so opposed to Trump they spread the debunked claim that he wants people to drink bleach.  Although it is ancient history now, I listened to the briefing and read the entire transcript when he supposedly said that.  What I discovered was that his question was based on the report of the findings by the medical researchers regarding the effectiveness of disinfectants and light.  He clarified that it was a question not a suggestion, yet he was and is deemed the evilest man in history and one that must be stopped at all costs.  Sadly, the cost is America, but alas, those who oppose him so deeply do not seem to see that.

Those statements will possibly get me unfriended on Facebook and that’s okay.  Not because I want to offend but because two cannot walk together without being in agreement.  I am not a Trump apologist although I have been accused of that.  I am a defender of the Constitution and realize that any hope of keeping that document intact and enforce requires defeating the Democrats and the only way that is possible is by electing Trump to a second term. 

I agree with the idea that what the media is doing is presenting an “image” and is not engaged in the pursuit of truth or facts.  I agree with Daniel Boorstin who argues that an ‘image’ is presented as a replica of reality.  It is not reality, but often a distorted version slanted and designed to develop a mindset to achieve an objective. That objective, as seen in today’s political and media world, is Globalism, Liberalism, Progressivism, Socialism, and the fundamental transformation of our Republic from Republicanism to a Direct Democracy.  That would ultimately lead to a totalitarian state, despotism, and tyranny.  Sadly, those who hold the depth of the animus against this president as is witnessed in many circles do not seem to see or believe that. 

The misinformation regarding COVID-19, the pandemic, the lockdown, and the dismantling of our economy has been beyond the pale.  Some have attempted to fact check the information being presented and uncovered some interesting facts.  When trusted prominent public figures such as the medical experts charged with formulating a defense and solution present misinformation or wrong information, the damage is done.  When the nefarious media twists those declarations and presses them beyond bounds engendering fear and paranoia, the damage is exacerbated. 

The misinformation takes on a life of its own and goes viral.  It is spread in emails, texts, social media posts, media reports.  To make matters worse local and state officials give them credence.  That presents a problem that is not easily overcome.  If those spreading the misinformation are simply ill-advised souls who want to help everyone and are concerned for their and our safety, that is one thing.  But when the state officials and media personalities use the misinformation as a political weapon to advance their Leftist agenda that is destructive and could inflict mortal wounds to the Republic. 

I read one survey by the Institute for the Study of Journalism that contended that misinformation accounts for 87% of social media interactions and fabricated accounts about 12%.  If my math is accurate that would be 99% leaving 1% true and real information available.  If that is anywhere near reality the damage may be irreversible and has produced an epidemic of misinformation information that is shredding our Republic.  That condition is locking millions in a ‘Prison of Fear’ from which they may never be released.  A Prison of the Mind is the most difficult prison to escape from and only God can bring true liberty.

Even the illustrious Dr. Fauci, one of the key proponents of the ‘lockdown’ has acknowledged that the long-term damage done in an extended lockdown is destructive.  We have over 39 million Americans out of work as a result of his and the recommendations of the ‘experts’.  The computer models have been wrong on almost every occasion and the trampling of our Freedoms and Liberties expansive. 

The quote usually attributed to Edgar Allan Poe is apropos, “You are young yet, my friend, but the time will arrive when you will learn to judge for yourself of what is going on in the world, without trusting to the gossip of others. Believe nothing you hear, and only half what you see.”  In today’s world of misinformation information that admonishment is more than a little applicable it is virtually required.

I am reminded of the declaration of Proverbs 18:17, “The first to plead his case seems right until another comes and examines him.”  We were encouraged in Ecclesiastes 12:13, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” 

If we allow misinformation to become our information, we will be easily deceived, make wrong decisions, and render judgments based on lies, half-truths, or errors.  The result of that is we take the wrong path and thus arrive at the wrong destination.  Today we are bombarded with misinformation and most of it is not innocently presented but with an agenda and intent. 

If you love America, want to keep her the Free Constitutional Republic we were given, and if you believe in the Rule of Law, the Constitution, and that we have inalienable rights I ask you to carefully decide how you will vote in November.  Dig deeply enough that you discover what the candidates and party platforms truly embrace.  Consider the records and never allow someone else to make your decision for you.  Exercise your God-given right, privilege, and ability to THINK, and once you have thought it through and prayed it through to peace act on your decision.  Let Peace Guide You and Let Truth be your Light.

God bless you and God bless America!