May 18, 2012
Friday

As has been well-expressed by others, "everyone is entitled to their own opinions but not their own facts". Unfortunately, and too often, both sides of many controversial issues seem to forget that adage or only partially apply it to suit their viewpoints.

In this day and age of internet blogs, tweets, and other social networking, it's good to beware of what you read and not confuse the written word with fact-based journalism.

It's easy to spout off some irrational, vitriolic diatribe based more on emotion than facts. And, in my humble "opinion", based on my observations on how people have been behaving and expressing themselves in recent years, such rantings tend to come most often from those who appear to be the most fearful -- the extremes on both sides of the argument. Zealotry and strong advocacy used to lead more to rational compromise and solutions. Nowadays, it seems to end mostly in stalemates and juicy soundbites. We all could benefit from remembering to do our due diligence in gathering accurate information and behaving more civilized rather than getting so damned angry and dramatic about everything.

Doug Barry
Ketchikan, AK

Representations of fact and opinions in letters are solely those of the author.
The opinions of the author do not represent the opinions of Sitnews.