Who thinks we would be better off if we patterned our thoughts and deeds on actual facts, rather than the opposite spin provided to us?

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 18:35:13 -0500

No details, a question with no relation to past or current events anywhere.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2019 6:39 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 18:39:19 -0500

I do! However, who decides what are the actual facts?

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Nov 8 at 2019 10:05 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 10:05:25 -0500

Everything is “spin” because we see facts through our own imperfect lens. Even your question shows your view of the world. I suggest most people make decisions and take action based on their perception of the facts. Our freedoms allow us to express our different perceptions of the facts more so than most other societies.

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made Nov 8 at 2019 10:10 AM

MSG Stan Hutchison — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 10:10:27 -0500

Facts are facts. One is entitled to their own opinion, but not their own facts.

However, finding what is fact and what is spin sometimes takes effort, which far too many choose not to exert.

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Nov 8 at 2019 10:15 AM

MSG Danny Mathers — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 10:15:17 -0500

One of the Unit's laws was the Truth Changes. It is not hard to figure out which history is written and rewritten which truths are changed or modified. Facts fall under the same conditions such as scientific facts that were consider facts back then, are no longer true. COL Beckwith back in the day told us to take nothing at face value; That might answer your question.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Nov 8 at 2019 10:16 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 10:16:13 -0500

I know your question isn't based on current events... OBVIOUSLY... But...

In today's America, there are very few objective facts left. Everything is interpreted and spun prior to dissemination (even within the Intel cycle for military operations). I could look up and exclaim what a beautiful blue sky it was, before being corrected that the sky is NOT a "beautiful" blue, because of all of the unseen pollutants. And besides, the sky is actually clear, it just appears blue because of... Yada yada yada.

If we can't even agree on the color of the sky (which IS blue, by the way, because God loves the infantry) then agreeing on anything more substantial for a basis of decision making is a monumental task.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Nov 8 at 2019 10:25 AM

MSgt Michael Smith — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 10:25:32 -0500

There are two (or more) sides to every single story, so facts, by their very existence are mostly subjective. Unless you are talking about math or science, life is all about perception. Sure there is spin, from every direction, trying to persuade you one way or the other. The reality is that you take in information and form opinions based on 'selective perception' and 'selective retention'. That means you are more apt to believe 'facts' that align with your world view. The objective truth is likely to be a combination of all the viewpoints.

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Nov 8 at 2019 10:42 AM

LCDR Joshua Gillespie — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 10:42:27 -0500

The obvious answer is "yes"... but the trouble is that all too often, "facts" are hard to come by.

Response by GySgt Charles O'Connell made Nov 11 at 2019 5:58 AM

GySgt Charles O'Connell — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 05:58:46 -0500

It depends on ones interpretation of the "facts". Religion - Lacks any of what can be considered factual/definitive evidence, but faith in the belief guides, rightly or wrongly, the followers patterns of thought and behavior. Science - Global warming is the hot, no pun intended, topic of the day, popular opinion, "fact", is that it is a man made occurrence, and only man can resolve it, with "facts" presented to support this issue. Issue an opinion though, that runs counter to the "facts" and you are castigated.

People believe what they want to believe, facts be damned.

Would we be better off patterning our thoughts and deeds solely on actual facts??? Sure, but the next question is, who decides the facts.

Doses of Soma all round.